It sends outputs to various parts of the brain, such as the hypothalamus, thalamus, and reticular formation, forming circuits that contribute to autonomic regulation.

Cells along the length of the SN are arranged roughly in accordance with function; for instance, cells involved in taste are located in the rostral part, while those receiving information from cardio-respiratory and gastrointestinal processes are found in the caudal part.

Their cell bodies form a roughly vertical column of grey matter in the medulla oblongata.

[citation needed] Neurons which transmit signals about the gut wall, the stretch of the lungs, and the dryness of mucous membranes also innervate the SN.

[citation needed] The afferent limb of the gag reflex arc is conveyed by sensory afferents of the CN IX which terminate in the SN; the SN then projects to the nucleus ambiguus which in turn gives rise to motor efferent fibers of the CN IX/X which then mediate the efferent limb of the arc.