A neural basis for gyroscopic force measurement in the halteres of Holorusia

摘要: Dipteran flight requires rapid acquisition of mechanosensory information provided by modified hindwings known as halteres. Halteres experience torques resulting from Coriolis forces that arise during body rotations. Although biomechanical and behavioral data indicate halteres detect forces, there are scant regarding neural encoding these or any other forces. on the haltere it oscillates in one plane while rotating another, occur at oscillation frequency twice frequency. Using single-fiber recordings primary afferent responses to mechanical stimuli, we show spike rate increases linearly with stimulation up 150 Hz, much higher than natural 40 Hz. Furthermore, spike-timing precision is extremely high throughout range tested. These characteristics afferents respond speed precision, features useful for detecting Additionally, found neurons preferentially specific stimulus directions, most responding more strongly orthogonal plane. Directional sensitivity, coupled precise, high-speed encoding, suggests capable providing about occurring base, including