The term general visceral afferents (GVA) refers to the peripheral processes of ganglion neurons of the spinal cord or brainstem that provide sensory innervation of the thoracic and abdominal viscera. These neurons send their central processes via dorsal root fibers or cranial nerves (the facial nerve, the glossopharyngeal nerve or the vagus nerve) to the spinal cord or hindbrain ( Carpenter-1983 ).