Reflex Organization in the Swimmeret System of the Lobster

Abstract

1. The dynamic properties of the intrasegmental swimmeret reflexes of the lobster Homarus americanus were studied by recording the discharge of the motor neurones while the swimmeret was moved sinusoidally in its natural arc over a wide range of frequencies. 2. The reflex responses of the excitor neurones of both powerstroke (retractor) and returnstroke (protractor) muscles display hysteresis. In both cases the efferent response corresponding to a given limb position is usually greater during imposed retraction than during protraction. 3. The cyclic efferent reflex response follows the sinusoidal movement stimulus at movement frequencies up to and beyond those which occur naturally during swimmeret beating, with no change in the position of maximum reflex activity in the cycle. The reflexes are therefore capable of influencing the motor output on a cycle-by-cycle basis. 4. The strength of the reflex response is maximum between 1 and 3 Hz. of imposed movement, and declines to either side of this range. The dynamic properties of the reflexes are therefore adjusted so that the maximum amplification of the rhythmic central motor command occurs at the natural frequency of swimmeret beating.