Bemerkungen zur funktion der corpora pedunculata im gehirn der insekten aus morphologischer sicht

Abstract

The structural organization of the corpora pedunculata in the brain of different insects (Apis mellifica, Formica polyctena, Acheta domesticus, Periplaneta americana) has been investigated by means of light and electron microscopical techniques. Based on morphology some functional implications are discussed: 1. The input and the output of activity due to extrinsic fibres takes place in seperate neuropile areas (calyces and lobes). 2. The corpora pedunculata represent a multi-channel-system of intrinsic fibres with respect to the afferent and efferent pathways of extrinsic fibres. 3. Intrinsic fibres are connected by synapses. These synaptic connexions may serve for special integrative properties of the corpora pedunculata system. 4. The peculiar form of the corpora pedunculata due to the pedunculi and lobes is discussed as a special arrangement of neurons for transposition of synaptic distances into sequential activation or inhibition of nerve fibres. 5. The corpora pedunculata system is compared with the cerebellum of vertebrates. © 1974 Springer-Verlag.