Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...

Spinal Cord

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.

Brainstem

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...

Hierarchy of Motor Control

Hierarchy of Motor Control

The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.

Indirect Motor Pathways

Indirect Motor Pathways

The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Coordinated spinal locomotor network dynamics emerge from cell-type-specific connectivity patterns.

eLife·2025

Same author

Author Correction: Transsynaptic labeling and transcriptional control of zebrafish neural circuits.

Nature neuroscience·2025

Same author

Coordinated spinal locomotor network dynamics emerge from cell-type-specific connectivity patterns.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025

Same author

Transsynaptic labeling and transcriptional control of zebrafish neural circuits.

Nature neuroscience·2024

Same author

Cell-type-specific origins of locomotor rhythmicity at different speeds in larval zebrafish.

eLife·2024

Same author

Cell-type-specific origins of locomotor rhythmicity at different speeds in larval zebrafish.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Zebrafish In Situ Spinal Cord Preparation for Electrophysiological Recordings from Spinal Sensory and Motor Neurons

Zebrafish In Situ Spinal Cord Preparation for Electrophysiological Recordings from Spinal Sensory and Motor Neurons

Published on: April 18, 2017

Speed control: spinal interneurons with crossed purposes.

Evdokia Menelaou¹, David L McLean

¹Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.

Current Biology : CB

|September 14, 2013

Summary

Different groups of spinal interneurons control limb alternation during walking and running. This finding reveals how the nervous system adapts locomotion speed by engaging distinct neuronal circuits.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Motor Control
Spinal Cord Physiology

Background:

Locomotion requires precise coordination of limb movements.
Spinal central pattern generators (CPGs) produce rhythmic motor output.
The role of specific interneuron populations in modulating locomotion speed is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the function of distinct commissural spinal interneuron populations in regulating limb alternation at various locomotion speeds.

Main Methods:

Utilized in vivo electrophysiology in animal models.
Recorded neuronal activity from identified interneuron populations during treadmill locomotion.
Manipulated neuronal activity to assess functional roles.

More Related Videos

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Published on: January 18, 2010

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation

Published on: October 13, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Zebrafish In Situ Spinal Cord Preparation for Electrophysiological Recordings from Spinal Sensory and Motor Neurons

Zebrafish In Situ Spinal Cord Preparation for Electrophysiological Recordings from Spinal Sensory and Motor Neurons

Published on: April 18, 2017

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Published on: January 18, 2010

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation

Published on: October 13, 2016

Main Results:

Specific populations of commissural spinal interneurons were found to be active at different locomotion speeds.
Activation patterns of these interneurons correlated with limb alternation timing.
Selective activation or inhibition of these interneurons altered locomotion speed and coordination.

Conclusions:

Commissural spinal interneurons form distinct functional groups that control limb alternation.
These neuronal populations enable the nervous system to adapt limb coordination to different locomotion speeds.
This study provides new insights into the neural basis of adaptive motor control.