Interstitial cells of Cajal in health and disease. Part I: Normal ICC structure and function with associated motility disorders

Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934) is considered to be one of the founders of the field of neuroscience. In 1911, he described interstitial neurons in the gut, noting that they were primitive accessory components that perhaps modify smooth muscle contraction, themselves subject to regulation from principle neurons. The accuracy of his description of their appearance and activities has led to these cells now being called the interstitial cells of Cajal …