Neural mechanisms of intersegmental coordination: CPGs, sensory feedback, and mechanical coupling in the spinal-transected Anguilla rostrata

Locomotor control relies on the coordination of different interacting and sometimes redundant systems. Signals from sensory receptors and higher brain centres interact with intrinsic central pattern generator (CPG) activity in the spinal cord to initiate and augment locomotion (Figure 1). Surgical intervention via complete spinal transection presents a unique opportunity to explore the function and importance of different neural pathways.