Brain Stem Control of Swallowing: Neuronal Network and Cellular Mechanisms

摘要: Swallowing movements are produced by a central pattern generator located in the medulla oblongata. It has been established on basis of microelectrode recordings that swallowing network includes two main groups neurons. One group is within dorsal and contains neurons involved triggering, shaping, timing sequential or rhythmic pattern. Interestingly, these situated primary sensory relay, is, nucleus tractus solitarii. The second ventrolateral switching neurons, which distribute drive to various pools motoneurons swallowing. This review focuses brain stem mechanisms underlying generation movements. analyzes neuronal circuitry, cellular properties neurotransmitters possibly involved, as well peripheral inputs shape output appropriately so correspond bolus be swallowed. possible flexibility discussed.