Figure 11 - Typical firing patterns of three types of neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius centralis (NTSc) region receiving synaptic input from the vagal afferent fibers.


From the following article

Esophageal sensory physiology

Jyoti N. Sengupta

GI Motility online (2006)

doi:10.1038/gimo16

BACK TO ARTICLE

a: The type I neuron that exhibits rhythmic burst of firing in phase with intraluminal pressure change during the distention of the distal esophagus (DE). However, the neuron stopped firing during the distention of the thoracic esophagus (TE). The enhanced firing and intraluminal pressure during DE distention can be attenuated by TE distention. b: Unlike the type I neuron, the type II neuron exhibits nonrhythmic excitation during TE or DE distention. Firing of this neuron does not attenuate during the inhibition of intraluminal pressure produced by TE distention. c: The type III neuron fires during the falling phase of the esophageal pressure wave during DE distention. The neuron stops firing to TE distention alone or in combination with DE distention. (Source: Dong et al.,110 with permission from American Gastroenterological Association.)

Powerpoint slides for teaching

If the slide opens in your browser, Select "File > Save as" to save it.

Download PowerPoint slide (467K)