Spinal afferent neurons: emerging regulators of energy balance and metabolism.

Recent advancements in neurophysiology have challenged the long-held paradigm that vagal afferents serve as the primary conduits for physiological signals governing food intake and energy expenditure. An expanding body of evidence now illuminates the critical role of spinal afferent neurons in these processes, necessitating a reevaluation of our understanding of energy homeostasis regulation. This comprehensive review synthesizes cutting-edge research elucidating the multifaceted functions of spinal afferent neurons in maintaining metabolic equilibrium.