Mature spinal networks in rodents: electrophysiological investigations combined with optogenetic methods to define neuron and circuit function

哺乳动物运动所需的有节奏的运动输出可以完全由称为中央模式发生器（CPG）的特殊脊髓（间）神经元回路产生。识别参与CPG活动的中间神经元是理解脊神经群的关键，这些脊神经群是启动持续模式肢体运动所必需的，那些通过感觉输入（即反射回路）启动运动输出的脊神经细胞与那些通过椎上下降输入（即自愿回路）启动运动的脊神经细胞，以及CPG神经元的相互连接如何导致有节奏的运动输出。

The rhythmic patterned motor output required for locomotion in mammals can be produced entirely by a specialized spinal (inter)neuronal circuit called the central pattern generator (CPG). Identification of interneurons that contribute to CPG activity is pivotal understanding spinal neuronal populations that are necessary to initiate sustained patterned limb movements and those spinal neurons that initiate motor output via sensory-input (i.e., reflex loops) vs. those that initiate locomotion via supraspinal descending input (i.e., voluntary loops), and how the interconnections of CPG neurons lead to rhythmic motor output.