Distribution of the afferent neurons from the canine recurrent laryngeal nerve

Localization of the afferent neurons from the canine recurrent laryngeal nerve in the nodose ganglia (NG) and jugular ganglia was studied using the horseradish peroxidase technique. Labeled cells were detected in the ipsilateral NG and presented no distinct pattern of distribution, but rather were scattered throughout the ganglion. No labeled cells were found in the contralateral NG or bilateral jugular ganglia. The size of labeled cells varied from 15 microns to 60 microns. Two to six labeled cells larger than 45 microns were detected in each dog. Most of the labeled cells (62%) had a diameter between 30 microns and 45 microns. The percentage of labeled cells with a diameter between 15 microns and 30 microns was 30% and between 45 microns and 60 microns was 8%. This difference in size of labeled cells in the NG may be related to functional differences among the receptors mediated.