The ultrastructure of identified locust motor neurones and their synaptic relationships

Abstract

Motor neurones in the thoracic ganglia of the locust were impaled with microelectrodes and identified according to the muscle they innervated and their other physiological properties. They were then labeled by intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase and processed for electron microscopy. The nature and distribution of synapses on each motor neurone was examined and, by the use of reconstructions from serial sections, their spatial relationships revealed. The metathoracic fast extensor tibiae and mesothoracic tergosternal flight motor neurones have both output and input synapses on their neuropilar branches. These synapses are involved in serial, reciprocal, and recurrent relationships showing that the structural equivalent of a physiological synapse may be complex. The metathoracic slow extensor tibiae and anterior fast flexor tibiae motor neurones apparently have only input synapses within the neuropile.