Rostral ventromedial medulla modulates nociception and tonic immobility behavior through connections with the A7 catecholaminergic region

► Rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) projects directly to the A7 region. ► RVM cholinergic stimulation produces antinociception and reduces tonic immobility. ► Inhibition of A7 region interrupts behavioral and antinociceptive responses from RVM. ► A7 region is key site to the behavioral responses from cholinergic stimulation of the RVM. ► RVM receives projections from the PAG and cuneiform nucleus.