Intersegmental Coordination: Lessons from Modeling Systems of Coupled Non-Linear Oscillators

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Intersegmental coordination of both vertebrates and invertebrates is poorly understood primarily because so little is known about the substrate of the neural underpinnings and how the elements interact to produce the complex timing relationships required by the organism. We describe here a systems approach combining experimental and theoretical treatment of the lamprey locomotor central pattern generator. The central pattern generator is viewed as a chain of coupled non-linear oscillators corresponding to segmental burst generators. We analyze various coupling schemes in terms of their ability to produce a stable traveling wave similar to that seen in the isolated spinal cord and the intact animal. The role of long coordinating neurons is particularly discussed.