Sensory vagal nature and anatomical access paths to esophagus laminar nerve endings in myenteric ganglia. Determination by surgical degeneration methods.

The dependence, access paths and functional significance of the intraganglionic laminar nerve endings (IGLEs) in the esophageal wall of the cat are demonstrated. To this end Wallerian degeneration was induced on the vagus nerve by a number of surgical operations performed at the nodose ganglion level. The results show IGLEs to be sensorial receptors dependent on neuronal bodies situated in the nodose ganglion. The nerve fibers on which they depend to reach the esophageal wall gain access via the vagus and the superior laryngeal nerve.