Abstract
A central pattern generator (CPG) is defined here as a neural network responsible for the production of the timing cues of a rhythmic motor output pattern in the isolated CNS. For the intact animal, model considerations show that this term is neither clearly delimited from the concept of a reflex chain nor from the concept of a pattern generator with functional principles different from those of the CPG. Therefore, it cannot be concluded from the existence of a CPG in the isolated nervous system that this CPG also provides the decisive timing cues in the intact animal. Consequences for the study of the neural basis of rhythmic movements are shown.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bässler U (1983) Neural basis of elementary behavior in stick insects. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York Tokyo
Cruse H (1981) Biologische Kybernetik. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim Deerfield Beach Basel
Friesen WD, Stent GS (1977) Generation of a locomotory rhythm by a neural network with recurrent cyclic inhibition. Biol Cybern 28:27–40
Grillner S (1985) Neurobiological bases of rhythmic motor acts in vertebrates. Science 228:143–149
Harmon LD (1964) Neuromimes: action of a reciprocally inhibiting pair. Science 146:1323–1325
Hassenstein B (1967) Erklären und Verstehen in den Naturwissenschaften. Freiburger Dies Universitatis 14:100–122
Hoyle G (1984) The scope of neuroethology. Behav Brain Sci 7:367–412
Kawahara K, Mori S (1982) A two compartment model of a stepping generator: analysis of the roles of a stage-setter and a rhythm generator. Biol Cybern 43:225–230
Matsuoka K (1985) Sustained oscillations generated by mutually inhibiting neurons with adaptation. Biol Cybern 52:367–376
Miller S, Scott PD (1977) The spinal locomotor generator. Exp Brain Res 30:387–403
Morishita I, Yajima A (1972) Analysis and simulation of networks of mutually inhibiting neurons. Kybernetik 11:154–165
Satterlie RA (1985) Reciprocal inhibition and postinhibitory rebound produce reverberation in a locomotor pattern generator. Science 229:402–404
Selverston AI (1980) Are central pattern generators understandable. Behav Brain Sci 3:535–571
Szekely G (1965) Logical network for controlling limb movement in urodela. Acta Physiol Hung 27:285–289
Thompson R (1982) A model for basic pattern generating mechanisms in the lobster stomatogastric ganglion. Biol Cybern 43:71–78
Tsutsumi K, Matsumoto H (1984) Ring neural network qua a generator of a rhythmic oscillation with period control mechanisms. Biol Cybern 51:181–194
Varju D (1977) Systemtheorie für Biologen and Mediziner. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York
Wendler G (1983) The locust flight system: functional aspects of sensory input and methods of investigation. Biona-Report 2:113–125
Wendler G, Heiligenberg W (1969) Relative Koordination bei gekoppelten, rhythmisch tätigen Modellneuronen. Zool Anz Suppl Bd 33:477–482
Willows AOD (1976) Trigger neurons in the mollusk Tritonia. In: Herman RM, Grillner S, Stein PSG, Stuart DG (eds) Neural control of locomotion. Plenum Press, New York
Wilson DW, Waldron I (1968) Models for the generation of the motor output pattern in flying locusts. Proc IEEE 56:1058–1064
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bässler, U. On the definition of central pattern generator and its sensory control. Biol. Cybern. 54, 65–69 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337116
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337116