Abstract
A laser micro-beam unit was used to reproducibly and selectively eliminate the large horizontal and vertical motion sensitive neurons (H- and V-cells) of the lobula plate on one side of the brain of house fliesMusca domestica. This was achieved by ablating the precursors of these cells deep in the larval brain without damaging other cells in the brain or other tissues. The individually reared flies were tested for their behaviour. Three tests were performed: (i) visual fixation of a single stripe, (ii) the optomotor turning and thrust response to a stripe moving clockwise and counterclockwise around the fly, (iii) the monocular turning response to a moving grating. The responses to a moving single object were normal on both sides, the control side and the one lacking the H- and V-cells. However, the responses to a moving grating were reduced on the side lacking H- and V-cells for progressive (front to back) and regressive (back to front) motion. From this we conclude that the response to single objects is controlled mainly by cells other than the H- and V-cells. We also suggest two separate pathways for the processing of single object motion and wide field pattern motion respectively (Fig. 8). Furthermore, the H- and V-cells might function as visual stabilizers and background motion processors.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
