The role of vibrissal sensing in forelimb position control during travelling locomotion in the rat (Rattus norvegicus, Rodentia).

摘要: Abstract In the stem lineage of therians, a comprehensive reorganization limb and body mechanics took place to provide dynamic stability for rapid locomotion in highly structured environment. At what was probably same time, mammals developed an active sense touch form movable mystacial vibrissae. The rhythmic movements limbs vibrissae are controlled by central pattern-generating networks which might interact with each other sensorimotor control. To test this possible interaction, we studied covariation between two investigating speed-dependent adjustments temporal spatial parameters forelimb vibrissal kinematics rat. Furthermore, role carpal connecting oscillating systems explored. We compared on continuous discontinuous substrates presence absence or/and across speed range 0.2–0.5 m/s found that close coupling appears be precluded their differential dependence animal's speed. Speed-related changes mainly occur parameters, whereas change excursion. However, whisking frequency is always high enough at least one whisk cycle falls into swing phase limb, maximum critical period sensing substrate forepaw will placed. influence tactile cues positional control more subtle than expected. Tactile appear affect degree parameter variation but not average or failure rate during walking perforated treadmill. play measuring duration stance phase. cue significantly reduces speed-related stride protraction.