Autonomic snesory neurons?

[cpuman]

I have read a couple of articles (for example http://www.kean.edu/~jfasick/docs/Spring_09_AP-1/Chapter%2014.pdf and others that I cannot remember the URL) that state that the autonomic nervous system is composed of motor neurons while alluding that the ANS does not contain sensory neurons.

 

Then there are other articles that state that the ANS is composed of both motor and sensory neurons (http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/PNS.html. Also this wikipedi page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_system#Sensory_neurons) describes sensor nerves in the ANS. Which is correct?

 

John Springer

Also the first paragraph of this article http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Autonomic_nervous_system#Sympathetic_Pathways suggest that the ANS does not contain sensory neurons.

[DrmDoc]

Although the ANS primarily comprises motor neurons, the enteric plexuses of the ANS contains primary sensory neurons that connect to other neural networks. The following quote can be found in this Scholarpedia link:

 

Complex autonomic ganglia in the walls of the stomach and small intestine are separately classified as the enteric nervous system. Most of the neural pathways in the enteric plexuses lack direct preganglionic inputs and can operate independently of central control. Indeed, uniquely within the ANS, the enteric plexuses contain primary sensory neurons that connect to extensive networks of interneurons as well as excitatory and inhibitory enteric motor neurons.

 

 

This article also contains a more detailed discussion of afferent (sensory) inputs to autonomic pathways. I hope this helps.

Edited November 22, 2016 by DrmDoc

[cpuman]

Thank you!