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Journal of Experimental Biology 44,195-208 (1966)
Published by Company of Biologists 1966

The Physiology of a Lepidopteran Muscle Receptor : II. The Function of the Receptor Muscle

R. DE G. WEEVERS ¹

¹ Zoological Laboratory, University of Cambridge; Biological Laboratories, Harvard University, U.S.A.

1. Stimulation of the pupal receptor muscle via its nerve resulted in an increased sensory discharge frequency from the MRO.

2. The extent of this excitation was similar in haemolymph and in pupal saline.

3. Stimulation of an MRO whose connexions with the C.N.S. were intact resulted in a transient reflex inhibition of the tonic discharge in the RM of the stimulated receptor. Cessation of sensory stimulation resulted in a transient elevation of RM tone in the stimulated receptor. These changes would tend to protect the sense organ during rapid stretching and would also ‘take up the slack’ when it was released.

4. A slight crossed intrasegmental RM reflex is described which would normally reinforce the ipsilateral reflex. No RM reflexes were found in adjacent segments.

5. These results are discussed in relation to the nature of the deformation occurring in the sensory dendrites, and in relation to the function of RM systems generally.