Abstract
The direct initiation and control of spinal locomotor mechanisms by supraspinal brainstem structures has been studied in many vertebrate species (for review see Grillner et al., 1985; Jordan et al., 1985; McClellan, 1985; Shik, 1985). There is very little information, however, concerning avian motor control. If the weight of the body is supported, a chronic thoracic spinal transected pigeon is capable of stepping movements (ten Cate, 1960, 1962). Acute spinalized chicks will also make stepping movements in response to electrical stimulation of the lateral white matter of the transected cervical cord (Jacobson & Hollyday, 1982). Thus the avian spinal cord appears to have the intrinsic neuronal mechanisms necessary for locomotion.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Cahot, J.B., Reiner, A. and Bogan, K. (1982). Avian bulbospinal pathways: anterograde and retrograde studies of cell of origin, funicular trajectories, and laminar terminations. Prog. Brain Res. 57, 79–108.
Grillner, S., et al. (1985). Review in this volume.
Jacobson, R.D. and Hollyday, M. (1982). Electrically evoked walking and fictive locomotion in the chick. J. Neurophysiol. 48, 257–270.
Jordan, L.M., et al. (1985). Review in this volume.
Karten, H.J. and Hodos, W. (1967). A a stereotaxic atlas of the brain of the pigeon (Columbia livia). Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore.
McClellan, A. (1985). Review in this volume.
Shik, M.L. (1985). Review in this volume.
Steeves, J.D. and Weinstein, G.N. (1984). Brainstem areas and descending pathways for the initiation of flying and walking in birds. Neurosci. Abstr. 10, 31.
ten Cate, J. (1960). Innervation of locomotor movements by the lumbosacral cord in birds and mammals. J. Exp. Biol. 39, 239–242.
Weinstein, G.N., Andersson, C. and Steeves, J.D. (1984). Functional characterization of limb muscles involved in locomotion in the Canada goose (Branta canadensis). Can. J. Zool. 62, 1596–1604.
Zweers, G.A. (1971). A steretaxic atlas of the brainstem of the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.). Van Gorcum & Co., Assen.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1986 The Wenner-Gren Center
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Steeves, J.D., Sholomenko, G.N., Webster, D.M.S. (1986). Reticular Formation Stimulation Evokes Walking and Flying in Birds. In: Grillner, S., Stein, P.S.G., Stuart, D.G., Forssberg, H., Herman, R.M. (eds) Neurobiology of Vertebrate Locomotion. Wenner-Gren Center International Symposium Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-09148-5_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-09148-5_4
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-09150-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-09148-5
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)