CPG Central pattern generator
<p>May 16, 2010 12:03 PM
 
<b>Central pattern generators (CPGs)</b> can be defined as neural networks that can endogenously (i.e. <b>without rhythmic sensory or central input</b>) produce<b> rhythmic patterned outputs</b>"<a href="#cite_note-Hooper-0"><sup id="cite_ref-Hooper_0-0" class="reference">[</sup><sup id="cite_ref-Hooper_0-0" class="reference">1]</sup></a> or as "neural circuits that generate periodic motor commands for rhythmic movements such as <b>locomotion</b>
 
Mastication, breathing, swallowing;  eg  mastic/ swallowing driven by hypoglossal nuclei and NTS  nucleaus tractus solitarius.
 
they have been shown to originate from the spinal cords of various vertebrates and to depend on relatively small and autonomous neural networks
 
LOCOMOTION
As early as 1911, it was recognized, by the experiments of T. Graham Brown, that the basic pattern of stepping can be produced by the spinal cord without the need of descending commands from the cortex   crawling, walking, swimming, running..  whisking in rat vibrissae.
 
swallowing... note it must adapt to the size of the bolus.
 
 
 
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