junction of superior esophageal nerve and stomatogastric nerve (sensu Cancer borealis)

The junction between the stomatogastric nerve (STN) and the superior esophageal nerve (SON) shows synaptic structures. Octopamine may be released at this site by projection neurons; its application at this junction induces action potentials in the axons of the modulatory commissural neuron 5 (MCN5) that project from the commissural ganglia to the stomatogastric ganglion (STG).

Type Nerve
Parent Structure functional part of brain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the junction of the superior esophageal nerve and stomatogastric nerve (sensu Cancer borealis)?
In Cancer borealis, the junction between the stomatogastric nerve (STN) and the superior esophageal nerve (SON) is a site where synaptic structures have been identified. Neuromodulatory substances such as octopamine may be released at this junction by projection neurons, influencing the activity of modulatory commissural neurons that project to the stomatogastric ganglion.
Where is this junction located?
This junction is located along the course of the stomatogastric nerve as it runs from the esophagus toward the stomatogastric ganglion in Cancer borealis. The superior esophageal nerve meets the stomatogastric nerve at this point before the combined nerve continues to the stomatogastric ganglion, which sits on the dorsal surface of the foregut.
What is the function of this junction?
This junction is involved in neuromodulatory signaling within the stomatogastric nervous system. Octopamine released here may be involved in activating projection neurons such as the modulatory commissural neuron 5 (MCN5), which projects from the commissural ganglia to the stomatogastric ganglion. This modulation is thought to influence gastric mill and pyloric circuit activity.
What conditions may affect this junction?
In experimental contexts, application of neuromodulators such as octopamine at this junction may be associated with changes in the firing patterns of commissural projection neurons and, consequently, in gastric mill and pyloric rhythm generation. Physical damage, chemical lesioning, or cooling experiments may also alter signal transmission through this site.
How is this junction examined?
This junction is studied using electrophysiological techniques including extracellular suction electrode recordings and intracellular sharp electrode recordings in semi-intact or dissected nervous system preparations of Cancer borealis. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against octopamine and synaptic markers, combined with confocal microscopy, can reveal synaptic structures and neuromodulator localization at this site.

Related Structures

1st arch mandibular component ventral mandibular arch 1st arch mandibular ectoderm ectoderm of mandibular component 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme mandibular component mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from head mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from neural crest 1st arch maxillary component 1st arch maxillary ectoderm ectoderm of maxillary component 1st arch maxillary-mandibular cleft 1st arch maxillary-mandibular groove ectoderm

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.