The Role of Identified Cells in Directional Motor Behavior

本研究的总体主题是了解感觉信息如何在中枢神经系统中编码和处理，以产生协调的运动输出。Christopher Comer博士将继续研究模型系统中的中枢整合，在该模型系统中，中枢神经系统中的神经信号传输可以很容易地监测，分配给已识别的中间神经元，并与离散且易于记录的行为行为的表现有关。蟑螂为了躲避捕食者的攻击，会转身逃跑。这种定向反应可以作为一个模型系统来确定信号如何在中枢神经系统中处理，以控制定向运动的发生和形式。蟑螂中特定的，可识别的，巨大的中间神经元是风敏感细胞，将从电生理学和解剖学上彻底检查它们在逃跑行为中的作用。这些研究将使我们更全面地了解神经系统是如何编码和沟通逃避和惊吓反应的。

The general theme of this research is to understand how sensory information is encoded and processed in the central nervous system in order to generate coordinated motor outputs. Dr. Christopher Comer will continue to study central integration in a model system where the traffic of neural signals in the CNS can be easily monitored, assigned to identified interneurons, and related to the performance of a discrete and easily recorded behavioral act. Cockroaches evade a predator's strike by turning away and then running. This orientating response may be used as a model system to determine how signals are processed in the CNS to control the occurrence and form of directional movement. Specific, identifiable, giant interneurons in cockroaches which are wind-sensitive cells, will be thoroughly examined electrophysiologically and anatomically for their role in escape behavior. These studies will give us a more complete understanding of how the nervous system encodes and communicates for escape and startle responses.