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Cited by 319Neural dynamics and brain functionNeurobiology and Insect Physiology ResearchRobotic Locomotion and Control

Are central pattern generators understandable?

Selverston, Allen I.·1980·Behavioral and Brain Sciences
DOI 10.1017/s0140525x00006580
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Abstract

Abstract Most rhythmic behaviors are produced by a specialized ensemble of neurons found in the central nervous system. These central pattern generators (CPGs) have become a cornerstone of neuronal circuit analysis. Studying simple invertebrate nervous systems may reveal the interactions of the neurons involved in the production of rhythmic motor output. There has recently been progress in this area, but due to certain intrinsic features of CPGs it is unlikely that present techniques will ever yield a complete understanding of any but the simplest of them. The chief impediment seems to be our inability to identify and characterize the total interneuronal pool making up a CPG. In addition, our general analytic strategy relies on a descriptive, reductionist approach, with no analytical constructs beyond phenomenological modeling. Detailed descriptive data are usually not of sufficient depth for specific model testing, giving rise instead to ad hoc explanations of mechanisms which usually turn out to be incorrect. Because they make too many assumptions, modeling studies have not added much to our understanding of CPCs; this is due not so much to inadequate simulations as to the poor quality and incomplete nature of the data provided by experimentalists. A basic strategy that would provide sufficient information for neural modeling would include: (1) identifying and characterizing each element in the CPG network; (2) specifying the synaptic connectivity between the elements; and (3) analyzing nonlinear synaptic properties and interactions by means of the connectivity matrix. Limitations based on our present technical capabilities are also discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1017/s0140525x00006580

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  • Many commentaries pointed out that increasingly complete descriptions at one level do not serve as a bridge to the next level.

    “Many of the commentaries pointed out, however, that increasingly complete descriptions at one level do not serve as a bridge to the next level.”

    From Neuroscience Needs Behavior: Correcting a Reductionist Bias (2017) · cites this paper as Selverston, 1980

  • Concerns with the complete-circuit-description approach were already recognized almost 40 years ago with the publication of an article titled Are Central Pattern Generators Understandable?

    “Concerns with the complete-circuit-description approach were already recognized almost 40 years ago with the publication-along with extensive accompanying commentary-of an article titled ''Are Central Pattern Generators Understandable?''”

    From Neuroscience Needs Behavior: Correcting a Reductionist Bias (2017) · cites this paper as Selverston, 1980

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Authors
Selverston, A. I.
Affiliations
University of California System (US)
Corresponding author
Selverston, Allen I.
Venue
Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
1980-12
Volume
3
Issue
4
Pages
535-540
ISSN
  • 0140-525X (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-1825
DOI
10.1017/s0140525x00006580
OpenAlex
W1986401459
Cited by
319
References
197
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2024: 5 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 4
FWCI
14.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 10657 d)
Locations
Behavioral and Brain Sciences (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Robotic Locomotion and Control
Keywords
central pattern generator, invertebrate nervous system, synaptic connectivity, connectivity matrix, phenomenological model

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