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Aspects of the Functional and Chemical Anatomy of the Insect Brain

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Nervous Systems in Invertebrates

Abstract

The functional organization of the insect brain is illustrated by descriptions of the optic lobes, ocellar and antennal projections and their convergence onto descending pathways. The neuropils in which the integration of signals take place are of two kinds: glomerular and non-glomerular. The former have strictly geometrically organized neural processes, the latter have been considered without discernable patterns. The dendrites of many of the descending neurons (DNs) and higher order interneurons arborize in non-glomerular neuropil and analysis of these neurons reveal patterned organization also in this type of neuropil.

Four different DN pathways in the Calliphora brain are outlined. These constitute the giant fiber pathway and three pathways subserving the large horizontal and vertical motion sensitive neurons in the lobula plate. Most DNs are arranged in clusters and it is shown that they receive multimodal inputs and are forming complex output connections.

The organization of the protocerebral mushroom bodies and central body complex and their possible integration into the sensory and descending system is discussed. These higher order neuropils form very complex connections, especially via non-glomerular neuropil and may have a role in gating of signals in descending pathways. Some of the structural analysis of the higher protocerebral centers is by means of immunocytochemistry of neuroactive substances. The possible roles of some of the neuroactive substances in modulation of neurons at different levels of the insect brain are briefly speculated upon.

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  1. Department of Zoology, University of Lund, Helgonavägen 3, S-223 62, Lund, Sweden

    Dick R. Nässel

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  1. University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    M. A. Ali

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Nässel, D.R. (1987). Aspects of the Functional and Chemical Anatomy of the Insect Brain. In: Ali, M.A. (eds) Nervous Systems in Invertebrates. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1955-9_13

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