Descending Neurons (DNs)

The term "descending neuron" is used exclusively for interganglionic neurons that originate in the supra- or suboesophageal ganglia. DNs are, therefore, neurons with axons that carry information from the brain to one or more thoracic and, or abdominal ganglia. DNs can arise in any of the brain's segments. The giant fiber (or "Giant Descending Neuron" as it is sometimes called; also see the enhancer-trap line images) is an example of a descending neuron. In principle, DNs are equivalent to interganglionic interneurons linking ganglia in the thorax and or abdomen. The term ascending neuron describes an interganglionic neuron that has the opposite polarity of a descending neuron. An ascending neuron originates in a ganglion that is more posterior to the segment (a ganglion or brain region) in which it terminates.

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