Organization of the sensory-motor network in the brachial spinal cord of amphibians

Abstract :

The control architectures and - strategies of vertebrates exhibit important features that at the moment are far away from the capabilities of autonomous robotic systems. The vertebrate nervous system is able to coordinate complex redundant kinematic chains in an energetic more efficient manner, adapt motor strategies depending on changes in the motor/sensory system and on changes in the environmental conditions, and is robust with regard to the noisy massive information coming from the environment. Therefore, we investigated the spinal network of the toad by use of an in vitro preparation, in which the forelegs are kept attached. This approach allows studying the connections and properties of the elements involved in motor actions. The data will serve to build a low-level biomimetic control strategy.