Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Sympathetic Pathways: Sympathetic Chain Ganglia01:20

Sympathetic Pathways: Sympathetic Chain Ganglia

The sympathetic chain ganglia, also known as the sympathetic trunk ganglia or paravertebral ganglia, are a series of ganglia located bilaterally on either side of the spinal column. These ganglia serve as relay stations for the sympathetic nervous system. Preganglionic neurons originating in the spinal cord project their axons to the sympathetic chain ganglia. Within the ganglia, these preganglionic fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons.The postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic trunk...
Parasympathetic Division of the ANS01:08

Parasympathetic Division of the ANS

The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates rest and digestion functions in the body. It works in opposition to the sympathetic division, promoting relaxation, conservation of energy, and digestion. The parasympathetic division consists of preganglionic fibers originating from specific cranial nerves (III, VII, IX, X) and the sacral spinal nerves (S2-S4). These fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons in the terminal ganglia, innervating various organs and...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla01:27

Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla

The sympathetic pathways of the collateral ganglia and adrenal medulla serve unique but interconnected roles in the sympathetic response.
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Sympathetic Division of the ANS01:19

Sympathetic Division of the ANS

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in preparing the body for stress, physical activity, and increased energy demands. This division activates the "fight-or-flight" response, enabling individuals to respond effectively to challenging situations.
Originating in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord segments, the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic division exit the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans. They then enter the sympathetic...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division01:18

Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division

The cranial part of the parasympathetic division plays a crucial role in regulating the visceral functions of the head and specific structures in the neck, thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities. Preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division exit the brain through cranial nerves III (oculomotor), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), and X (vagus), delivering parasympathetic output to the respective visceral structures.
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Spinal Cord: Information Processing01:10

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

System-Level Analysis of Japan's Pediatric-Perinatal Disaster Liaison Operations During the 2024 Noto Earthquake.

Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society·2026
Same author

Skeletal Stabilization After Sagittal Split Osteotomy Using a Biodegradable Osteosynthesis System: A Pilot Study.

The Journal of craniofacial surgery·2026
Same author

Vitamin K Deficiency Associated With Low Vitamin K Intake During Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Two Disabled Patients.

Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society·2026
Same author

Association Between Ionized Calcium Concentrations During Weaning From Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Postoperative Low Cardiac Output Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Anesthesia and analgesia·2026
Same author

Perioperative Anesthetic Management in Cancer Patients Receiving Strong Opioids: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center with Palliative Care Team Involvement.

Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy·2026
Same author

Enhancement of the capacity of a healthcare team through real-time information-sharing using a wireless intercom system: a prospective simulation study.

BMJ open·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation
09:10

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation

Published on: October 13, 2016

Polysynaptic connections between Barrington's nucleus and sacral preganglionic neurons.

Mitsuyoshi Sasaki1, Hitoshi Sato

  • 1Department of Neurophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160, Japan. sasaki-m@tokyo-med.ac.jp

Neuroscience Research
|December 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Electrical stimulation of Barrington's nucleus activates sacral preganglionic neurons during bladder contraction. This descending pathway is polysynaptic and facilitated during voiding, requiring continuous nucleus firing to control the micturition reflex.

More Related Videos

Imaging Serotonergic Fibers in the Mouse Spinal Cord Using the CLARITY/CUBIC Technique
09:54

Imaging Serotonergic Fibers in the Mouse Spinal Cord Using the CLARITY/CUBIC Technique

Published on: February 26, 2016

Isolation of Sensory Neurons of Aplysia californica for Patch Clamp Recordings of Glutamatergic Currents
09:40

Isolation of Sensory Neurons of Aplysia californica for Patch Clamp Recordings of Glutamatergic Currents

Published on: July 10, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation
09:10

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation

Published on: October 13, 2016

Imaging Serotonergic Fibers in the Mouse Spinal Cord Using the CLARITY/CUBIC Technique
09:54

Imaging Serotonergic Fibers in the Mouse Spinal Cord Using the CLARITY/CUBIC Technique

Published on: February 26, 2016

Isolation of Sensory Neurons of Aplysia californica for Patch Clamp Recordings of Glutamatergic Currents
09:40

Isolation of Sensory Neurons of Aplysia californica for Patch Clamp Recordings of Glutamatergic Currents

Published on: July 10, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Urology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The pontine micturition center, also known as Barrington's nucleus, plays a crucial role in regulating the micturition reflex.
  • Understanding the neural pathways controlling bladder function is essential for addressing urinary incontinence and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the electrophysiological connections between Barrington's nucleus and sacral preganglionic neurons.
  • To determine the synaptic nature and functional state of the descending pathway from Barrington's nucleus to the sacral micturition circuitry.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an electrophysiological approach with intracellular recording techniques in sacral preganglionic neurons.
  • Applied electrical stimulation to Barrington's nucleus under varying bladder pressure conditions (low vs. micturition contraction).

Main Results:

  • Electrical stimulation of Barrington's nucleus evoked clear excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in sacral preganglionic neurons during bladder contraction, but not at low bladder pressure.
  • The evoked EPSPs exhibited latencies (21.9–47.5ms) and variable onset, indicating a polysynaptic pathway.
  • The descending pathway from Barrington's nucleus to sacral preganglionic neurons is significantly facilitated during the voiding phase.

Conclusions:

  • The descending pathway from Barrington's nucleus to sacral preganglionic neurons is polysynaptic and its facilitatory effect is dependent on the bladder filling state.
  • Continuous neuronal firing of Barrington's nucleus is necessary to activate sacral preganglionic neurons for bladder muscle innervation and micturition.
  • These findings elucidate critical neural mechanisms underlying bladder control and the micturition reflex.