Progress in Sensory Physiology 9

Progress in Sensory Physiology 9

Author:

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 230

ISBN-13: 3642740588

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Sympathetic afferent fibers originate from a visceral organ, course in the thoracolumbar rami communicantes, have cell bodies located in dorsal root ganglia, and terminate in the gray matter of the spinal cord. Sympathetic afferent fibers from the heart transmit information about noxious stimuli associated with myocardial ischemia, i. e. angina pectoris. Previous reviews have described the characteristics of cardiovascular sympathetic afferent fibers (Bishop et al. 1983; Malliani 1982). This review summarizes that work and focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying the complexities of angina pectoris. In order to understand anginal pain, cells forming the classical pain pathway, the spinothalamic tract (STn, were chosen for study. These cells were chosen to address questions about anginal pain because they transmit nociceptive informa of pain. Antidromic tion to brain regions that are involved in the perception activation of STT cells provided a means of identifying cells involved with trans mission of nociceptive information in anesthetized animals. Other ascending pathways may also transmit nociceptive information, but many studies show that the STT plays an important role. Visceral pain is commonly referred to overlying somatic structures. The pain of angina pectoris can be sensed over a wide area of the thorax: in the retrosternal, precordial anterior thoracic, and anterior cervical regions of the chest; in the left or sometimes even the right shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand; or in the jaw and teeth (Harrison and Reeves 1968).


Progress in Sensory Physiology

Progress in Sensory Physiology

Author:

Publisher: Springer

Published: 1983-07-01

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13: 9783540124986

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The study of the functional organization of the first synapse of the centripetal visual pathway at the outer plexiform layer level (OPL) ought to be made through the application of combined histological, electrophysiological, and neurochemical techniques. A large amount of new evidence has been accumu lated in the past 20 years on the structure of the retina and on the electrical responses of retinal cells to light stimulus. Also, recently, many substances considered as neurotransmitters in the brain have been found in the retina. The goal of the study of retinal function is to integrate the data obtained by structural and electrophysiological techniques and to identify and determine the role played by neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in the function of the retina. In this study it is important to realize the morphological and biochemical diversi ty displayed by the visual cells in the vertebrate retina which, according to Cresci telli (1972), has been produced "through the interaction of natural selection with diversity in the photic environment." The evidence obtained shows that bipolar and especially horizontal cells, closely related to visual cells, display morphologi cal and probably biochemical differences among classes, genus, and even species according to the photic environment. These differences give peculiarities to the organization of the OPL, which must be taken into account when studying a par ticular retina with electrophysiological or neurochemical techniques.


The Visual Thalamocortical System and Its Modulation by the Brain Stem Core

The Visual Thalamocortical System and Its Modulation by the Brain Stem Core

Author: Mircea Steriade

Publisher: Springer

Published: 1990-01-30

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 9783540513803

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This monographic work authored by eminent neurophysiologists will be of major interest to researchers investigating the visual system or working in behavioral neuroscience and sleep research. The book deals with the neuronal circuits of the visual thalamocortical system, the brainstem and basal forebrain modulatory systems and their neurotransmitters acting upon these circuits, and the neuronal activities in the visual thalamocortical system as changed during shifts in behavioral states of vigilance from wake to sleep. Data discussed consist of recent studies on light and electron microscopy, extra- and intracellular recordings of thalamic and cortical neurons, neurotransmitter actions, and state-dependent cellular activities in the visual system.


Fundamentals of Sensory Physiology

Fundamentals of Sensory Physiology

Author: R. F. Schmidt

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 366201128X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Since the first English edition of this book appeared three years ago, the authors have received many useful comments from readers. In preparing this amended edition we have carefully examined each chapter, improving and expanding the text where necessary; in the process, we have been greatly helped by their remarks. Further commentary on this edition will be much appreciated. Again, I should like to express the gratitude of all the authors to the staff of Springer-Verlag for expediting the publication of the book. Kiel, Germany, July 1981 ROBERT F. SCHMIDT Preface to the First Edition In the field of sensory physiology we are concerned with what our sense organs and the associated central nervous structures - can do and how that perform ance is achieved. Research here is not limited to description of the physi cochemical reactions taking place in these structures; the conditions under which sensations and perceptions arise and the rules that govern them are also of fundamental interest. Sensory physiology thus demands the attention of everyone who wishes to - or must - delve into the potentialities and limitations of human experience.