Long-term in vitro turtle preparation for the study of spinal organization

A method by which muscles, nerves, and a section of spinal cord from a turtle can be stably maintained in vitro for many days has been developed. Tests of the viability of central and neuromuscular synapses, and the histochemical properties of muscle fibers have indicated that the preparation is viable and shows little decrement in function over a period of 3-5 days. The system allows continuous access to the muscles, nerves, and the spinal cord, as well as a controlled external environment.