The Nerve Pathways in the Vomiting of Peritonitis

Abstract

SummaryThe experiments here reported show that the vomiting of peritonitis is the result of the stimulation of afferent nerve endings located in the peritoneum. The emetic impulse thus initiated passes to the medullary center by way of sensory nerve fibers which are included in both the vagal and sympathetic trunks. Section of these trunks prevents the occurrence of vomiting in peritonitis although phrenic and other cerebrospinal nerve paths are left undisturbed. Since, by sympathectomy alone or by vagotomy alone, vomiting in peritonitis is not abolished, the afferent emetic impulse evidently traverses either path with equal facility.