Central Pattern Generators

Central pattern generators are neural circuits that can produce rhythmic network activity in the absence of timing cues from sensory feedback or descending pathways. This activity underlies behaviors such as locomotion and breathing. A variety of invertebrate and vertebrate preparations have provided insights into how rhythmic motor patterns are generated at the cellular and circuit level; how they are controlled by higher centers, sensory feedback, and neuromodulatory input; and how networks are coordinated to yield different behaviors. This work has elucidated a number of general principles governing network function and dynamics.