Resistance reflexes and patterned discharge in motor neurons of the crayfish propus-dactylus joint

Abstract

1. 1. The slow closer motor (SCM) and opener inhibitor (OI) neurons of Canbarus clarkii display both phasic and tonic activity in resistance reflexes of the propus-dactylus joint. 2. 2. Phasic response latencies of both neurons diminish with increasing velocity of joint opening according to a power function. Interpulse intervals (IPIs) diminish according to an S function. 3. 3. IPI distributions for both neurons are characterized by Gamma distribution functions. 4. 4. Though the SCM neuromuscular junction is not pattern sensitive, both neurons display patterning, i.e. a more or less discrete class of short IPIs (doublets). 5. 5. Patterning is discussed as a mode of activity which may or may not be associated with pattern sensitive neuromuscular junctions.