Generation of Metachornal Motor Patterns in Segmented Nervous Systems

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9514889 Mulloney The exploration of the neuronal bases for animal movements is one of the most challenging tasks that faces the neuroscientist. This task is made feasible through the study of simpler model systems, which are found among invertebrate animals. Dr. Mulloney has shown through his previous NSF support that in the crayfish small neural circuits in each body segment genepate the basic rhythmic movements, and that a separate neuronal coordinating system organizes the local movements into a coordinated pattern. With this additional funding, he will explore in more detail the specific means by which the reciprocally inhibitory interactions among identified neurons generate the basic oscillatory patterns of the local circuits. Mathematical simulation of the physiologically defined interactions by Dr. Mulloney will test the progress of the neurophysiological description and guide the conduct of further experimentation. The results from these studies will enhance our understanding of the neuronal bases for movements in all animals and have broad applications in the design of robotic locomotion systems.