GASTROINTESTINAL DORSAL ROOT VISCEROTOMES IN THE CAT

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Abstract
The limits of the gastrointestinal sensory fields innervated by single spinal segments have been mapped in cats under chloralose anesthesia. After cutting all visceral inflow pathways except one pair of dorsal roots (DR), pupil dilation to pinching or electrical stimulation was used as index in testing for remaining sensitivity over the intestine. Each DR viscerotome extended widely, with varying and great overlap. T3 through T6 DR each innervate abdominal esophagus, stomach and duodenum. T7 through T12 innervate esophagus to upper colon. T13 through L2DR innervate pylonic antrum to colon. L3-4DR innervate whole colon. Gall bladder and pancreas are supplied by T2-10DR and phrenic nerves. Wide DR viscerotome spread contrasts with restricted field of innervation by individual mesenteric nerve bundles.