The intrinsic function of a motor system - from ion channels to networks and behavior

The forebrain, brainstem and spinal cord contribution to the control of loc omotion is reviewed in this article. The lamprey is used as an experimental model since it allows a detailed cellular analysis of the neuronal network underlying locomotion. The focus is on cellular mechanisms that are import ant for the pattern generation, as well as different types of pre- and post synaptic modulation. This experimental model is bridging the gap between th e molecular and cellular level to the network and behavioral level. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.