Skip to main content

Mosaic Organizations, Layers, and Visual Pathways in the Insect Brain

  • Conference paper
Neural Principles in Vision

Part of the book series: Proceedings in Life Sciences ((LIFE SCIENCES))

Abstract

In this account I want to outline some of the cardinal structural features of the insect visual system which have been resolved from neuroanatomical studies of two species of Dipterous insect, Musca domestica and Calliphora erythrocephala.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Barlow, H.B., Levick, W.R.: The mechanism of directionally selective units in rabbit’s retina. J. Physiol. 178, 447 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bishop, L.G., Keehn, D.G.: Neural correlates of the optomotor response in the fly. Kybernetik 3, 288–295 (1967)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Braitenberg, V.: Patterns of projections in the visual system of the fly. I. Retina-lamina projections. Exp. Brain Res. 3, 271–298 (1967)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Braitenberg, V.: Ordnung and Orientierung der Elemente im Sehsystem der Fliege. Kybernetik 7, 235–242 (1970)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Braitenberg, V., Hauser-Hohlschuh, H.: Patterns of projection in the visual system of the fly. II. Quantitative aspects of second order neurons in relation to models of movement perception. Exp. Brain Res. 16, 184–209 (1972)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cajal, S.R.: Nota sobre la estructura de la retina de la Mosca. Trab. Lab. Invest. Biol. Univ. Madr. 7, 217–257 (1909)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cajal, S.R., Sanchez, D.: Contribucion al conocimiento de los centros nerviosos de los insectos. Parte I. Retina y centros opticos. Trab. Lab. Invest. Biol. Univ. Madr. 13, 1–168 (1915)

    Google Scholar 

  • Campos-Ortega, J.A.: Postsynaptism in R1–R6: A gain control mechanism. N.W. Biocyb. Bull. 4, 1–3 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Campos-Ortega, J.A., Strausfeld, N.J.: The columnar organization of the second synaptic region of the visual system of Musca domestica L. I. Receptor terminals in the medulla. Z. Zellf. 124, 561–585 (1972a)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Campos-Ortega, J.A., Strausfeld, N.J.: Columns and layers in the second synaptic region of the fly’s visual system: The case of two superimposed neuronal architectures. In: Information Processing in the Visual System of Arthropods. Wehner, R. (ed.). Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972b, pp. 31–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Campos-Ortega, J.A., Strausfeld, N.J.: Synaptic connections of intrinsic cells and basket arborisations in the external plexiform layer of the fly’s eye. Brain Res. 59, 119–136 (1973)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Campos-Ortega, J.A., Strausfeld, N.J.: The synaptic organisation of second order and centrifugal neurons in the 1st synaptic region of the fly’s visual system (Manuscript) 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, M.J., Jacklet, J.W.: The functional organisation of motor neurons in an insect ganglion. Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. London 252B, 561–572 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Collett, T.S.: Centripetal and centrifugal visual cells in medulla of insect optic lobe. J. Neurophysiol. 33, 239–256 (1970)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Collett, T.S.: Connections between wide-field monocular and binocular movement detectors in the brain of a hawk moth. Z. Vergl. Physiol. 75, 1–31 (1971)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collett, T.S., Blest, A.D.: Binocular, directionally selective neurons, possibly involved in the optomoter response of insects. Nature (London) 212, 1330–1333 (1966)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeVoe, R.D., Ockleford, E.M.: Intracellular responses from cells of the medulla of the fly, Calliphora erythrocephala. Kybernetik 23, 13–24 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dvorak, D.R., Bishop, L.G., Eckert, H.E.: On the identification of movement detectors in the fly optic lobe. J. Comp. Physiol. 100, 5–23 (1975)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Götz, K.G.: Flight control in Drosophila by visual perception of motion. Kybernetik 4, 199–208 (1968)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, C.: Anatomy of locust ocellar interneurons: constancy and variability. J. Comp. Physiol. 95, 186–201 (1974)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hausen, K.: Struktur, Funktion und Konnektivität bewegungsempfindlicher Neuronen in der Lobula Plate der Schmeissfliege, Calliphora erythrocephala. Doctoral Dissertation. Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen. Augsberg: Blasaditch 1976a

    Google Scholar 

  • Hausen, K.: Functional characterization and anatomical identification of motion sensitive neurons in the lobula plate of the blowfly Calliphora erythrocephala. Z. Naturforsch. 1976b (in press)

    Google Scholar 

  • Järvilehto, M., Zettler, F.: Electrophysiological-Histological studies on some functional properties of visual cells and second order neurons of an insect retina. Z. Zeilforsch. 136, 291–306 (1973)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kien, J.: Motion detection in locusts and grasshoppers. In: The Compound Eye and Vision of Insects. Horridge, G.A. (ed.). Oxford: Clarendon 1975, pp. 410–422

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirschfeld, K.: Die Projektion der optischen Umwelt auf das Raster der Rhabdomere im Komplexauge von Musca. Exp. Brain Res. 3, 248–270 (1967)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirschfeld, K.: The visual system of Musca: studies on optics, structure and function. In: Information Processing in the Visual System of Arthropods. Wehner, R.: ed.). Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972, pp. 61–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Land, M.F., Collett, T.S.: Chasing behaviour of houseflies (Fannia canicularis): A description and analysis. J. Comp. Physiol. 89, 331–357 (1974)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laughlin, S.B.: Neural integration in the first optic neuropile of dragonflies. I. Signal amplification in dark-adapted second-order neurons. J. Comp. Physiol. 84, 335–355 (1973)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laughlin, S.B.: Neural integration in the first optic neuropile of dragonflies. III. The transfer of angular information. J. Comp. Physiol. 92, 377–396 (1974)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laughlin, S.B.: Receptor and Interneuron light-adaptation in the dragonfly visual system. Z. Naturforsch. 30C, 306–308 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • McCann, G.D., Dill, J.C.: Fundamental properties of intensity, form and motion perception in the visual systems of Calliphora phaenicia and Musca domestica. J. Gen. Physiol. 53, 385–413 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCann, G.D., Foster, S.F.: Binocular interactions of motion detection fibres in the optic lobes of flies. Kybernetik 8, 193–203 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCann, G.D., McGinitie, G.F.: Optomotor response studies of insect vision. Proc. R. Soc. London 163B, 369–401 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mimura, K.: Neural mechanisms subserving directional selectivity of movement in the optic lobe of the fly. J. Comp. Physiol. 80, 409–437 (1972)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mimura, K.: Units of the optic lobe, especially movement perception units of Diptera. In: The Compound Eye and Vision of Insects. Horridge, G.A. (ed.). Oxford: Clarendon 1975, pp. 426–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Pierantoni, R.: Su un tratto nervoso nel cervello delia Mosca. In: Atti Delia Prima Riuniore Scientifica Plenaria (Camogli, dicembre 1973). Soc. Ital. Biofis. Pura e Applicata, 231–249 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Poggio, T., Reichardt, W.: A theory of the pattern induced flight orientation of the fly Musca domestica. Kybernetik 12, 185–203 (1973)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Poggio, T., Reichardt, W.: Nonlinear interaction underlying visual orientation behaviour of the fly. Cold Spring Harb. Symp. Quant. Biol. 40, (in press, 1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Preissler, M.: Struktur des inneren Chiasma im Sehsystem der Fliege Musca domestica. Manuscript: Diploma Dissertation, Eberhardt-Karls-Universität zu Tübingen (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reichardt, W.: Autocorrelation; a principle for the evaluation of sensory information by the central nervous system. In: Sensory Communications. Rosenblith, W.A. (ed.). M.I.T. John Wiley, pp. 303–318

    Google Scholar 

  • Reichardt, W.: The insect eye as a model for analysis of uptake, transduction, and processing of optical data in the nervous system. In: The Neurosciences 2. Schmitt, F.O. (ed.). New York: Rockefeller Univ. 1970, pp. 494–511

    Google Scholar 

  • Reichardt, W.: Musterinduzierte Flugorientierung. Verhaltensversuche an der Fliege Musca domestica. Naturwissenschaften 60, 122–138 (1973)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scholes, J.: The electrical response of the retinal receptors and the lamina in the visual system of the fly Musca. Kybernetik 6, 149–162 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J.: Golgi studies on insects. Part II. The optic lobes of Diptera. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. London 258B, 175–223 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J.: Atlas of an Insect Brain. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J., Braitenberg, V.: The compound eye of the fly (Musca domestica): connections between the cartridges of the lamina ganglionaris. Z. Vergl. Physiol. 70, 95–104 (1970)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J., Campos-Ortega, J.A.: Some interrelationships between the first and second synaptic region of the fly’s (Musca domestica L.) visual system. In: Information Processing in the Visual System of Arthropods. Wehner, R. (ed.). Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J., Campos-Ortega, J.A.: L3, the 3rd 2nd order neuron of the 1st visual ganglion in the “neural superposition” eye of Musca domestica. Z. Zellforsch. 139, 397–403 (1973a)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J., Campos-Ortega, J.A.: The L4 monopolar neurone: a substrate for lateral interaction in the visual system of the fly Musca domestica. Brain Res. 59, 97–117 (1973b)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J., Campos-Ortega, J.A.: Synaptic relationships underlying adaptation and lateral inhibition beneath the insect retina. In prep., 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Strausfeld, N.J., Obermayer, M.: Resolution of intraneuronal and transynaptic migration of cobalt in the insect visual and central nervous systems. J. Comp. Physiol. In press, 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorsen, J.: Small-signal analysis of a visual reflex in the locust. Kybernetik 3, 41–66 (1966)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyrer, N.M., Altman, J.S.: Motor and sensory flight neurons in a locust demonstrated using cobalt chloride. J. Comp. Neurol. 157, 117–138 (1974)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vigier, P.: Mécanisme de la synthèse des impressions lumineuses receuillies par les yeux composés des Diptères. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 63, 122–134 (1907a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vigier, P.: Sur la réception de l’exitant lumineux dans les yeux composés des Insectes, en particulier ches les Muscides. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 63, 633–636 (1907b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wehrhahn, C., Reichardt, W.: Visually induced height orientation of the fly Musca domestica. Biol. Cyber. 20, 37–50 (1975)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zawarzin, A.: Histologische Studien über Insekten. IV. Die optischen Ganglien der Aeschna Larven. Z. Wiss. Zool. 108, 175–257 (1913)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zettler, F., Järvilehto, M.: Decrement-free conduction of graded potentials along the axon of a monopolar neuron. Z. Vergl. Physiol. 75, 402–421 (1971)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zettler, F., Järvilehto, M.: Lateral inhibition in an insect eye. Z. Vergl. Physiol. 76, 233–244 (1972).

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1976 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Strausfeld, N.J. (1976). Mosaic Organizations, Layers, and Visual Pathways in the Insect Brain. In: Zettler, F., Weiler, R. (eds) Neural Principles in Vision. Proceedings in Life Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66432-8_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66432-8_16

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-66434-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-66432-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics