Parasympathetic nervous system research

This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) across three major domestic animal groups: equines (horses), ruminants (e.g., cattle), and carnivores (e.g., dogs and cats). The research delves into both the cranial and sacral divisions of the PSNS, emphasizing anatomical variations, neural pathways, and functional implications in each species.

Key focus areas include the origin and distribution of parasympathetic fibers, associated ganglia (e.g., ciliary, pterygopalatine, otic, and submandibular), and the roles of critical cranial nerves such as the vagus nerve (CN X). The pelvic splanchnic nerves, which form the sacral outflow, are analyzed in relation to their contributions to urinary, gastrointestinal, and reproductive functions.

The study highlights interspecies differences in:

Neuroanatomical organization

Visceral innervation

Clinical relevance in veterinary practice, such as vagal indigestion in ruminants, colic in horses, and autonomic dysfunction in small animals.

This comparative framework not only reinforces core neuroanatomical concepts but also supports clinical understanding of parasympathetic dysfunction across veterinary species.