Central pattern generator

As a central pattern generator (CPG, German "central pattern generator" , ZMG) is referred to in the neuroanatomy special networks of neurons in the spinal cord that are able to induce self-employed rhythmic muscle contractions and thereby an important role in continuous movements, such as walking play.

The peculiarity of these central activity pattern generators is that they do not have to be activated again and again by a switched brain center like other nerve cells, but are independently able to send action potentials in a regular sequence after a start activation .

Examples of movements whose unconscious automatic sequence is made possible by CPGs are walking, running or swimming. The rhythmic movements are based on the alternating activation of flexors and extensors of the corresponding body areas.

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b ^c Michael O'Shea: The brain. An introduction . Reclam, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-15-018477-6 , p. 119 (Orig .: The Brain - A Very Short Introduction . Oxford University Press, Oxford 2005).

[shea-1] Michael O'Shea: The brain. An introduction . Reclam, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-15-018477-6 , p. 119 (Orig .: The Brain - A Very Short Introduction . Oxford University Press, Oxford 2005).