Characterization of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system.

Heart disease is the number one cause of mortality in the developed world and it is well recognised that neural mechanisms are important in pathology. As well as peripheral autonomic nerves, there is a rich intrinsic innervation of the heart that includes cardiac ganglia, collectively termed ganglionic plexuses (GP). Understanding the role that the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) play in controlling cardiac function and how it interacts with information between central command centers and its integration with sensory information from the myocardium could prove crucial for prophylactic and corrective treatments of heart disease. This article in the timely and important special issue on central and peripheral nervous control of the heart in Autonomic Neuroscience; Basic and Clinical will focus on the anatomical and physiological characteristics that define the ICNS.