Journal of Experimental Biology · 1982 · 168 citations · 21 references
Life SciencesPhysiologyZoologyBiomechanicsInvertebrate ZoologyMotor ControlComparative BiomechanicsLocomotor PhysiologyMuscle MechanicsProprioceptionReflex ControlReflex PhysiologyAntenna AnatomyAntennal JointsLocomotor Structure Anatomy
In rock lobsters, active flexion of the J3 flagellum joint modulates the reflex elicited by passive joint movement, a phenomenon whose functional significance is discussed. Active flexion activates motoneurons that assist movement, whereas passive flexion without prior active movement elicits a resistance reflex; slow active flexion followed by passive movement produces assistance, high‑velocity active flexion predominates the assistance reflex, and passive extension generates a resistance reflex that is usually facilitated by preceding active flexion.
ABSTRACT In the rock lobster, Palinurus vulgaris, study was made of the effect of active flexion of the J3 joint of the flagellum upon the reflex produced by passive movement of this joint. Active flexion was accompanied by activity of motoneurones to musdes assisting the movement. Passive flexion not immediately preceded by active flexion was accompanied by activation of muscles to resist the movement (resistance reflex). When the passive movement followed slow active flexion (7·5°/s), there was some activity to assist the movement. If preceded by an active flexion of high velocity (25 °/s), the assistance reflex predominated. Passive extension produced a resistance reflex that was usually facilitated by preceding active flexion. The functional significance of the reversal is discussed.
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