The locust wing hinge stretch receptors. II. Variation, alternative pathways and ?mistakes? in the central arborizations

Abstract

The central arborizations of the stretch receptor (SR) neurones are very consistent from one individual to another. Superimposition of normalized neurones from eight individuals of Locusta show very little variation even in the detailed branching pattern. There is, however, a commonly found alternative course for the main medial branch in the metathoracic ganglion. Rare, radical departures from the normal branching pattern are termed “mistakes.” Only three have been found, all in the forewing SR projection, one with an extra branch and two with missing branches. Terminals of twigs in the alternative region of the medial branch occupy consistent positions in the neuropile, although these are reached by different routes. Mistakes have terminals in areas normally containing SR endings. Both these findings suggest that there may be labelled sites in the neuropile which the growing tips of the SR neurones seek out.