Locomotor Neural Mechanisms in Arthropods and Vertebrates

This book collects together accounts of the recent work of some of the scientists who are developing our understanding of locomotor processes and other rhythmical behaviours such as chewing. The emphasis is on the two major groups of animals that walk with the aid of jointed legs - namely arthropods and mammals. In organizing their locomotion species in these two groups frequently face and overcome somewhat similar bioengineering problems, and at least at the level of general principle their respective control systems often exhibit striking similarities. It is therefore the hope of the editors that juxtaposing studies on the two groups will help to promote cross-fertilization between those (usually zoologists) with interests in arthropods and those (usually physiologists) whose main preoccupation is with mammals. The book is intended for use by final year undergraduates reading for physiology, zoology or neuroscience degrees; also postgraduates, post-doctoral and established researchers working on the many and various aspects of the neural control of movements.