Wide dynamic range neuron
Encyclopedia
The wide dynamic range or "convergent" neuron is the most populous type of those neuron
s whose cell bodies are located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. WDR neurons are responsive to all sensory modalities (thermal, chemical and mechanical) and a broad range of intensity of stimulation from peripheral nerves. They steadily increase their firing rate as the stimulus intensity rises into the noxious range. There are, for example, wide dynamic range neurons that respond to benign stroking as well as to painful heat and intense mechanical damage at the cell's receptive field
. Dorsal horn neurons that receive input from the viscera via thin afferent
fibers are all WDR type. The WDR neuron was identified by Mendell in 1966.
Neuron
A neuron is an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information by electrical and chemical signaling. Chemical signaling occurs via synapses, specialized connections with other cells. Neurons connect to each other to form networks. Neurons are the core components of the nervous...
s whose cell bodies are located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. WDR neurons are responsive to all sensory modalities (thermal, chemical and mechanical) and a broad range of intensity of stimulation from peripheral nerves. They steadily increase their firing rate as the stimulus intensity rises into the noxious range. There are, for example, wide dynamic range neurons that respond to benign stroking as well as to painful heat and intense mechanical damage at the cell's receptive field
Receptive field
The receptive field of a sensory neuron is a region of space in which the presence of a stimulus will alter the firing of that neuron. Receptive fields have been identified for neurons of the auditory system, the somatosensory system, and the visual system....
. Dorsal horn neurons that receive input from the viscera via thin afferent
Afferent
Afferent is an anatomical term with the following meanings:*Conveying towards a center, for example the afferent arterioles conveying blood towards the Bowman's capsule in the Kidney. Opposite to Efferent.*Something that so conducts, see Afferent nerve fiber...
fibers are all WDR type. The WDR neuron was identified by Mendell in 1966.