QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s):
Home     Help     Feedback     Subscriptions     Archive     Search     Table of Contents

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by RUNION, H. I. Articles by USHERWOOD, P. N. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by RUNION, H. I. Articles by USHERWOOD, P. N. R.

Journal of Experimental Biology 49,421-436 (1968)
Published by Company of Biologists 1968

Tarsal Receptors and Leg Reflexes in the Locust and GRASSHOPPER

H. I. RUNION ¹ and P. N. R. USHERWOOD ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow

1. The physiological properties of hair sensilla found on the metathoracic tarsal segments of the locust and grasshopper are described.

2. The sensilla trichodea are phasically responsive mechanoreceptors. The discharge frequency of these receptors is proportional to the velocity of displacement of the sensory appendage. Phase-related responses are obtained with sinusoidal inputs less than ioo Hz. With higher input frequencies the receptors respond asynchronously.

3. The tarsal sensilla signal contact of the tarsal segments with the substratum and changes in the load on the metathoracic leg.

4. Reflexes involving these tarsal receptors and the ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ excitatory and inhibitory neurones which innervate the metathoracic extensor tibiae muscle have been demonstrated and appear to play a significant role during postural and walking activity.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				H. Nishino Motor output characterizing thanatosis in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus J. Exp. Biol., October 15, 2004; 207(22): 3899 - 3915. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Fischer, J. Schmidt, R. Haas, and A. Buschges Pattern Generation for Walking and Searching Movements of a Stick Insect Leg. I. Coordination of Motor Activity J Neurophysiol, January 1, 2001; 85(1): 341 - 353. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]