The morphology and electrophysiology of the neurones of the paired pedal ganglia of Lynaea stagnalis (L.)

Abstract

1. 1. A morphological and electrophysiological map of the identifiable neurones and neuronal clusters of the paired pedal ganglia has been prepared. 2. 2. Neuronal morphology was investigated using the fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow CH, whilst electrophysiological properties were studied using conventional intracellular recording techniques and the phase plane technique. 3. 3. The paired pedal ganglia are largely symmetrical and giant neurones usually have contralateral homologues. 4. 4. Neuronal clusters are also paired, but minor asymmetries, both of identifiable neurones and neuronal clusters have been found to exist. 5. 5. These asymmetries are thought to be related to asymmetries of body form. 6. 6. Most of the individually identifiable neurones possess obligatory axon branches which are invariant from one preparation to the next, but variant branches also occur. 7. 7. Within the neuronal clusters, morphology appears to be more variable. 8. 8. Individually identifiable neurones and neuronal clusters were characterized electrophysiologically according to the criteria of action potential shape, spontaneous activity pattern, electrical coupling and common synaptic inputs. 9. 9. Homologous pairs of neurones usually have similar electrophysiological properties, as do those within clusters. 10. 10. A number of wide-acting synaptie inputs have been identified on neurones of the pedal, buccal, visceral and parietal ganglia.