The neuroanatomical basis of central cardiovascular control

A brief review is given of some of the recent neuroanatomical studies of the central autonomic pathways. Two major points are discussed. 1) There are several descending inputs to the intermediolateral cell column that have recently been demonstrated; these include the A5 catecholamine cell group, certain of the raphe nuclei, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the Kölliker Fuse nucleus, and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. 2) Certain nuclei of the brain that function as autonomic centers are extensively interconnected: the nucleus of the solitary tract, the parabrachial nucleus, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the central nucleus of the amygdala, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. This network may play an important role in cardiovascular regulation and related neuroendocrine functions.