SINGLE UNIT RESPONSES FROM THE SOLITARY COMPLEX FOLLOWING ORAL-STIMULATION IN THE CHICKEN

By using 10 μm tip, stainless steel electrodes the extracellular responses of single neurones in the dorsal medulla of the chicken were recorded following mechanical, thermal and chemical stimulation of the oral cavity. A small area of the solitary complex was found to respond to oral stimulation. From the position of this area in the medulla it was considered to be in the nucleus ventrolateralis anterior solitarii. Units were found in this nucleus which responded to mechanical, thermal and chemical stimulation of the tongue, palate and pharynx. The results are discussed in relation to present knowledge of mammals and a possible input from the lingual and laryngolingual nerves. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.