Correlations between structure, topographic arrangement, and spectral sensitivity of sound-sensitive interneurons in...

The morphology of nine prothoracic, sound-activated, interganglionic interneurons in Teleogryllus oceanicus is described. Only two of the neurons can, on anatomical grounds, receive input directly from auditory receptors. The morphology of many of the cells suggests that they may provide output to motor areas. The nine cells can be divided into two groups on the basis of their spectral sensitivity: high-frequency neurons and low-frequency neurons. Correlations were found between morphology and spectral sensitivity. High-frequency neurons have a ventromedial soma, dorsally positioned neuropile processes, and an axon in the lateral half of the promesothoracic connective. In contrast, low-frequency neurons have a dorsal and/or laterally positioned soma, neuropile processes in the ventral portion of the prothoracic ganglion, and an axon projecting in the medial half of the connective. These findings reveal the existence of a crude tonotopic organization of central neurons. In addition, they provide hints as to the type of output and the targets of these neurons.