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Somatosensory Input to the Periaqueductal Gray: A Spinal Relay to a Descending Control Center

  • Chapter
The Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray Matter

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSA,volume 213))

Abstract

The spinomesencephalic tract (SMT) with its varied origins (Mantyh, 1982; Menétrey et al., 1982; Swett et al., 1985; Wiberg and Blomqvist, 1984; Wiberg et al., 1987; Yezierski and Mendez, 1991; Zhang et al., 1990), spinal trajectories (Hylden et al., 1986b; Kerr, 1975; McMahon and Wall, 1985; Yezierski and Schwartz, 1986; Zemlan et al., 1978), and sites of termination (Anderson and Berry, 1959; McMahon and Wall 1985; Mehler, 1969; Morin, 1953; Björkeland and Boivie, 1984; Blomqvist and Craig, this volume; Yezierski, 1988) is often described as having a role in nociception (Bowsher, 1976; Mehler, 1969; Willis, 1985; Willis and Coggeshall, 1978; Yezierski, 1988). Consistent with this hypothesis are the responses of SMT cells to noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli (Hylden et al., 1986a; 1989; Menétrey et al., 1980; Yezierski and Schwartz, 1986; Yezierski et al., 1985). Furthermore, recent studies have shown SMT cells in the upper cervical and lumbosacral spinal cord respond to inputs from cutaneous and /or deep structures, including joints, muscles, and viscera (Yezierski and Broton, 1991; Yezierski and Schwartz, 1986; Yezierski et al., 1987; Yezierski, 1990). These observations as well as the varied functions associated with SMT projection targets supports a role of the SMT in sensory, motor and visceral functions.

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  1. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA

    Robert P. Yezierski

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  1. Robert P. Yezierski
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  1. L.N.B.C, Centre de Neurochimie du CNRS, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084, Strasbourg Cedex, France

    Antoine Depaulis

  2. Dept. of Anatomy, University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Richard Bandler

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Yezierski, R.P. (1991). Somatosensory Input to the Periaqueductal Gray: A Spinal Relay to a Descending Control Center. In: Depaulis, A., Bandler, R. (eds) The Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray Matter. NATO ASI Series, vol 213. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3302-3_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3302-3_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

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