Two slow conduction systems co-ordinate shell-climbing behaviour in the sea anemone Calliactis parasitica

J Exp Biol. 1976 Apr;64(2):431-45. doi: 10.1242/jeb.64.2.431.

Abstract

1. Pulses in two slow conducting systems, the ectodermal SS 1 and the endodermal SS 2, were recorded during shell-climbing behaviour. The mean pulse interval of SS 1 pulses was 7-4 s and that of SS 2 pulses was 6-4 s. Activity in both systems may arise as a sensory response of tentacles to shell contact, but the SS 1 and SS 2 may not share the same receptors. 2. Electrical stimulation of the SS 1 and SS 2 together, at a frequency of 1 shock every 5 s, elicits shell-climbing behaviour in the absence of a shell. 3. Low-frequency nerve-net activity (about 1 pulse every 15 s) accompanies column bending during both normal and electrically elicited responses. This activity probably arises as a result of column bending and is not due to a sensory response to the shell.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cnidaria / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Information Theory
  • Locomotion
  • Models, Neurological
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
  • Sea Anemones / physiology*
  • Time Factors