Interactions among an ensemble of chordotonal organ receptors and motor neurons of the crayfish claw. 1979

B G Lindsey, and G L Gerstein

1. Action potentials of crayfish propodite-dactyl (PD) chordotonal organ receptors and two claw motor neurons, the opener inhibitor (OI) and slow closer excitor CE) were simultaneously monitored during imposed step and ramp movements of the dactyl or while the dactyl was held at various positions. 2. The activities of the cells during imposed displacements were analyzed using peristimulus time histograms and response and contour planes. The proprioceptive fields (PFs) of individual receptors resemble components of the more complex motor neuron PFs. Some receptors are briefly active after each successive opening step, while others do not respond to steps near the closed position but respond as the joint angle increases, becoming active when the claw is held open. Another type of receptor responds to closing movements. 3. Interactions among the various types of receptors and the two motor neurons were detected and analyzed by various statistical methods and intracellular recording techniques. The results indicate that receptors activated during opening movements and when the dactyl is held at open positions excite OI and CE via divergent functional connections. The efficacies of the connections made by a receptor may differ. Receptors activated by closing movements produce hyperpolarizing synaptic potentials in both efferents, possible directly or via interneurons. 4. It is concluded that several types of chordotonal organ receptors form an ensemble of parallel input channels, which modulates the activities of OI and CE and contributes to the generation of the spatial-temporal nonuniformities of their proprioceptive reflex responses.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007596 Joints Also known as articulations, these are points of connection between the ends of certain separate bones, or where the borders of other bones are juxtaposed. Joint
D008959 Models, Neurological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of the neurological system, processes or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Neurologic Models,Model, Neurological,Neurologic Model,Neurological Model,Neurological Models,Model, Neurologic,Models, Neurologic
D009046 Motor Neurons Neurons which activate MUSCLE CELLS. Neurons, Motor,Alpha Motorneurons,Motoneurons,Motor Neurons, Alpha,Neurons, Alpha Motor,Alpha Motor Neuron,Alpha Motor Neurons,Alpha Motorneuron,Motoneuron,Motor Neuron,Motor Neuron, Alpha,Motorneuron, Alpha,Motorneurons, Alpha,Neuron, Alpha Motor,Neuron, Motor
D011434 Proprioception Sensory functions that transduce stimuli received by proprioceptive receptors in joints, tendons, muscles, and the INNER EAR into neural impulses to be transmitted to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Proprioception provides sense of stationary positions and movements of one's body parts, and is important in maintaining KINESTHESIA and POSTURAL BALANCE. Labyrinthine Sense,Position Sense,Posture Sense,Sense of Equilibrium,Vestibular Sense,Sense of Position,Equilibrium Sense,Sense, Labyrinthine,Sense, Position,Sense, Posture,Sense, Vestibular
D011930 Reaction Time The time from the onset of a stimulus until a response is observed. Response Latency,Response Speed,Response Time,Latency, Response,Reaction Times,Response Latencies,Response Times,Speed, Response,Speeds, Response
D011984 Sensory Receptor Cells Specialized afferent neurons capable of transducing sensory stimuli into NERVE IMPULSES to be transmitted to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Sometimes sensory receptors for external stimuli are called exteroceptors; for internal stimuli are called interoceptors and proprioceptors. Nerve Endings, Sensory,Neurons, Sensory,Neuroreceptors,Receptors, Neural,Neural Receptors,Receptors, Sensory,Sensory Neurons,Sensory Receptors,Nerve Ending, Sensory,Neural Receptor,Neuron, Sensory,Neuroreceptor,Receptor Cell, Sensory,Receptor Cells, Sensory,Receptor, Neural,Receptor, Sensory,Sensory Nerve Ending,Sensory Nerve Endings,Sensory Neuron,Sensory Receptor,Sensory Receptor Cell
D012018 Reflex An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D003400 Astacoidea A superfamily of various freshwater CRUSTACEA, in the infraorder Astacidea, comprising the crayfish. Common genera include Astacus and Procambarus. Crayfish resemble lobsters, but are usually much smaller. Astacus,Crayfish,Procambarus,Astacoideas,Crayfishs
D004594 Electrophysiology The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D005121 Extremities The farthest or outermost projections of the body, such as the HAND and FOOT. Limbs,Extremity,Limb

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