Synaptic transmission in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS)

The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is the first CNS site for synaptic contact of the primary vagal afferent neurons. These synapses are the first site where the primary sensory input can be changed, and the signal conditioning here determines the NTS output to all downstream synapses in a wide array of autonomic reflex pathways. The second-order NTS neurons do not simply relay the input signal, but rather bringing to bear their own intrinsic and synaptic properties, the neurons integrate the sensory input with converging inputs from local networks, higher brain regions and circulating mediators, to ultimately orchestrate a coherent pattern of CNS responses for maintaining homeostasis.