Dissection and surgical approaches to the mouse jugular-nodose ganglia

The jugular-nodose ganglia contain the sensory peripheral neurons of the vagus nerve, linking visceral organs to the medulla oblongata. Accessing these ganglia in smaller animals without damaging the vascular and neural structures may be challenging, as ganglionic fibers imbed deeply into the carotid sheath, and vagal parasympathetic fibers cross through the interior of the ganglia. We describe a practical protocol for locating and accessing the mouse jugular-nodose ganglia in vivo , including instructions for intraganglionic injections and postperfusion dissection. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Han et al. (2018).

Automated summary

The study presents a practical protocol for locating and accessing the jugular-nodose ganglia in mice, including intraganglionic injections and postperfusion dissection. Care must be taken to avoid damaging vascular and neural structures during the process.