Figure 7 - Inhibitory effects on the burst firing of swallowing neurons.

Swallowing is triggered by stimulations of the SLN. a: Very slight inflation (3 mL) of a balloon in the pharyngeal cavity does not modify the swallowing neuronal discharge (1). When the intrapharyngeal balloon is inflated with 20 mL, the neuronal activity is completely inhibited (2). b: Inhibition of an esophageal neuron corresponding to the thoracic esophagus during distention of the cervical esophagus. The balloon is deflated and several swallows are induced before and after motor paralysis (1). When the balloon is inflated (20 mL, between arrows) the swallowing discharge is suppressed (2). MH m, mylohyoideus EMG; SwN, discharge of the medullary interneurons; P, recordings of intrapharyngeal (a) or intraesophageal (b) pressure. (Source: Adapted from Jean.^{6, 112}, with permission from Elsevier.)