Generation of Metachornal Motor Patterns in Segmented Nervous Systems

小行星9514889 探索动物运动的神经元基础是神经科学家面临的最具挑战性的任务之一。 通过研究在无脊椎动物中发现的更简单的模型系统，这项任务变得可行。Mulloney博士通过他以前的NSF支持表明，在小龙虾中，每个身体部分的小神经回路产生基本的节奏运动，并且一个单独的神经元协调系统将局部运动组织成协调模式。 有了这笔额外的资金，他将更详细地探索特定的手段，通过这些手段，识别出的神经元之间的抑制性相互作用产生了局部回路的基本振荡模式。 Mulloney博士对生理学定义的相互作用进行的数学模拟将测试神经生理学描述的进展，并指导进一步实验的进行。 这些研究的结果将增强我们对所有动物运动神经元基础的理解，并在机器人运动系统的设计中具有广泛的应用。

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.