Summary of aim(s):
To demonstrate the terminal afferents from the thoracic spine, particularly from TI to T4 intra articular tissues.
To demonstrate the types of different afferent projections, from a typical thoracic spinal joint.
To demonstrate the distribution of those afferents within the Rexed laminae.
Findings / Outcomes:
A study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of those somatic afferent fibres directly associated with a spinal zygapophyseal joint (Thoracic joints Tl to T4). It elucidated the location of the central projections within the central nervous system of those neurons that are likely to produce direct input from mechanosensitive and noxious nerves innervating the vertebral column. By comparing this information with an understanding of the Rexed laminae to provide some insight into the anatomical distribution of the synaptic terminals in the spine, it was found that terminal labelings were observed within laminae I, II and III of the dorsal horn. This preliminary data suggests that the joint proper (left T2/3 zygapohyseal joints) has led to terminal labelings in lamina I, II and III of the dorsal horn. The potential benefits was to describe the anatomical wirings that may exist between spinal joints and spinal cord.
Grant Value: $18,346
Chief Investigator: Dr Ray Hayek
Status: Complete
Presentations:
- Chiropractors Association of Australia, National Annual Conference, September 1995, Melbourne, Australia
Hayek, R ‘Central Projections of Afferents Innervating Thoracic Joints’
Publications:
- Journal of Neuroscience, 1996
Hayek, R ‘Central Projections of Afferents Innervating Thoracic Joints’