Investigating sensorimotor integration and control of octopus arms and suckers
Abstract
This research will focus on the sensory biology and neural control of octopus arms and suckers. Three general approaches - neuroanatomy; neurophysiology; and behavior - will be used to examine how octopuses deploy and coordinate their arms and suckers. Cephalopod arms are currently understood to be controlled at multiple neuronal tiers due to the arrangement of brain, arm and sucker ganglia. Sensory feedback is thought to modulate neural systems at each level but how these neural ensembles operate for arm articulation and motor control is poorly known due to the system~s complexity. The first goal of this research is to determine which connections exist among these neural control tiers using a range of neuroanatomy techniques. To determine how these connections are used, we will perform behavioral experiments where specific connections are severed via denervation, and the resulting arm and sucker movements can be quantified using tracking in three-dimensions to elucidate their roles in motor control. To understand theimportance of sensory cues for the control of arms and suckers, we will test a range of sensory stimuli (chemical, mechanical and visual) in combination with electrophysiology and behavioral assays. Octopuses will be tested when they are navigating obstacles, capturing prey or manipulating objects. Ultimately, we aim to learn how the control systems in octopuses enable precise sensory and motor coordination of multiple arms with seemingly infinite degrees offreedom to such a level that our data can be modelled using systems control methodologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912495
Entities
People
- Roger T. Hanlon
Organizations
- Marine Biological Laboratory
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy