Related Experiment Videos
Commentary on: Saper CB, Loewy AD, Swanson LW, Cowan WM. (1976) Direct hypothalamo-autonomic connections. Brain
Clifford B Saper1, Arthur D Loewy2, Larry W Swanson3
1Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
Abstract:
The 1970s saw the introduction of new technologies for tracing axons both anterogradely and retrogradely. These methods allowed us to visualize fine, unmyelinated pathways for the first time, such as the hypothalamic pathways that control the autonomic nervous system. As a result, we were able to identify the paraventricular nucleus and lateral hypothalamus as the key sites that provide direct inputs to the autonomic preganglionic neurons in the medulla and spinal cord. These findings revolutionized our understanding of hypothalamic control of the autonomic nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
Autonomic Nervous System
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
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...
Regulation of Food Intake