Animal Physiology

Chapter 11
Behavior: Initiation, Patterns and Control
Definition

 Network of neurons that produces

repetitive output
 Small neural circuit in a ganglion that
specifies the particular behavior
pattern
Central Pattern Generators

•Hierarchical arrangement of
motor systems
•Neuronal control of entire motor
side of the nervous system
•Decision in motor output
•Modulates activity within
sets of interconnected
neuron
•Central Pattern
Generator
Properties

 Two or more processes that interact

such that each process sequentially
increases and decreases
 As a result of the above reaction, the
system returns to its original
condition
Role in Behavior

 Example: Pulse rhythm songs in

crickets
 Swimming
 Moving
 Running
 Chewing
 All can be explained by the central
pattern generator