Comparative aspects of gastropod neurobiology

Abstract

In this chapter, we compare the development, morphology, and behavioral function of identified neurons across a number of gastropod species. We first examine the origins of the earliest identifiable neurons and their corresponding behavioral roles. Several adult behaviors are then considered. We compare the transmitter phenotype and neuroanatomy of identified neurons known to be involved in three rhythmic behaviors: feeding, locomotion and respiration. Horizontal themes that are re-examined throughout this discussion are (1) the requirements for the neuroanatomy of a gastropod ancestor, (2) methods to identify neuronal homologues, and (3) the utility of identified gastropod neurons for studies at the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels.