Context (archaeology)

Neuroscience

Biology

Endocrinology

Sensory system

Paleontology

Psychology

Thermoregulation

Central nervous system

Taste aversion

Parabrachial Nucleus

Taste

Medicine

Interoception

Stimulus modality

Perception

Journal of Neuroscience

The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) has long been recognized as a sensory relay receiving an array of interoceptive and exteroceptive inputs relevant to taste and ingestive behavior, pain, and multiple aspects of autonomic control, including respiration, blood pressure, water balance, and thermoregulation. Outputs are known to be similarly widespread and complex. How sensory information is handled in PBN and used to inform different outputs to maintain homeostasis and promote survival is only now being elucidated. With a focus on taste and ingestive behaviors, pain, and thermoregulation, this review is intended to provide a context for analysis of PBN circuits involved in aversion and avoidance, and consider how information of various modalities, interoceptive and exteroceptive, is processed within PBN and transmitted to distinct targets to signal challenge, and to engage appropriate behavioral and physiological responses to maintain homeostasis.

Parabrachial Complex: A Hub for Pain and Aversion