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Journal of Experimental Biology 55,151-164 (1971)
Published by Company of Biologists 1971

Coxal Depressor Muscles of the Cockroach and the Role of Peripheral Inhibition

J. F. ILES ¹ and K. G. PEARSON ²

¹ University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, England and Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Junior Research Fellow, St John's College, Oxford
² University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, England and Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

1. Mechanical properties of the coxal depressor muscles of cockroaches have been studied and found to be compatible with the pattern of innervation determined by microelectrode recording.

2. During walking activity excitatory and inhibitory axons to the slow depressor muscles are alternately active in bursts.

3. Firings of the three inhibitory axons are positively correlated.

4. The rate of relaxation of the slow muscles is increased by activation of the inhibitory axons innervating them.

5. It is proposed that one functional significance of peripheral inhibition in insects is to increase the rate of relaxation of slow muscles used in rapid movements.

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