Brain pathways of the chromatophore system in the squid Lolliguncula brevis

Abstract

Brain pathways controlling the chromatophores of the squid Lolliguncula brevis are described using cobalt iontophoresis. The results show several input and output pathways of the anterior and posterior chromatophore and lateral basal lobes. These connections allow coordination and modification of the chromatophore motor program throughout the motor pathway. Unlike other cephalopod species, there seems to be no direct input from the optic lobes to the lateral basal lobes in L. brevis. This species displays only a few simple patterns; therefore the underlying neural pathways for chromatophore control may be different from those of other cephalopods with more extensive patterning repertoires.