There are four fibres of giant dimensions in each cord of the abdominal ventral nerve-chain of the locust. These fibres are the axons of large neurons situated in the extreme posterior region of the last abdominal ganglion, and run uninterruptedly through the abdominal nerve-chain to the metathoracic ganglion. Posteriorly these neurons synapse with preganglionic fibres which appear to be cereal nerve-fibres and anteriorly with motor pathways to the metathoracic legs.

Oscillographic observations have been correlated with those from the histological study. The possible function of these pathways has been discussed and comparison made with the cockroach, where a similar organization has been described in detail.

Copyright © 1951 by the Company of Biologists Ltd.
1951
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