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Network dynamics, dopamine and operant control: lessons from the molluskan buccal gangliaAbstractMultielectrode array (MEA) analysis of molluskan nervous systems is an experimental technique recently developed at the University of Sussex (Harris et al., 2010). Here I discuss our current understanding of the molluskan buccal ganglia, with examples from the MEA work, and relate it to more general theories of network dynamics, pattern generation, dopamine-mediated reward and operant control. Variance in the neural pattern for feeding behaviour, which the buccal ganglia continue to generate in vitro, allows the brain to search for optimal feeding strategies in changing environments (Brezina et al., 2006) and can be considered a rudimentary form of free will (Brembs, in press). I argue that this ability to generate variable, reward-sensitive motor output is a central function of brains, and discuss experimental and computational approaches toward a better understanding of it.References: Brembs (in press) Proc of the Royal Soc; Harris et al (2010) J Neurosci Methods 186(2):171-8; Brezina et al (2006) Neurocomputing 69(10-12):1120-1124.

• Release Date

  Oct 7, 2010

• Runtime

  01:06:04