Medullary command nucleus
Encyclopedia
The medullary command nucleus (MCN), also called the pacemaker nucleus, is a group of nerve cells found in the bodies of weakly electric fish. It controls the function of electrocytes by regulating the frequency of electrical impulses
. Signals originating in the MCN are transmitted to electrocytes, where changes in ion
concentration cause electrical charges to be generated. The nucleus both sends and receives signals, thereby acing as a regulator and central processor for the electro sensors in the fish’s body. Inputs into the MCN originate in the mesencephalic precommand nucleus, thalamic dorsal posterior nucleus, and toral ventroposterior nucleus. All of these nuclei have dense projections into the MCN, with the exception of theToral Ventroposterior nucleus, which contain only a ventral edge projection.
Bioelectromagnetism
Bioelectromagnetism refers to the electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic fields produced by living cells, tissues or organisms. Examples include the cell membrane potential and the electric currents that flow in nerves and muscles, as a result of action potentials...
. Signals originating in the MCN are transmitted to electrocytes, where changes in ion
Ion
An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. The name was given by physicist Michael Faraday for the substances that allow a current to pass between electrodes in a...
concentration cause electrical charges to be generated. The nucleus both sends and receives signals, thereby acing as a regulator and central processor for the electro sensors in the fish’s body. Inputs into the MCN originate in the mesencephalic precommand nucleus, thalamic dorsal posterior nucleus, and toral ventroposterior nucleus. All of these nuclei have dense projections into the MCN, with the exception of theToral Ventroposterior nucleus, which contain only a ventral edge projection.