Mathematical Biology Seminar
Franz Goller
Biology Dept. University of Utah
Wednesday Oct. 31, 2007
3:05pm in LCB 215
Motor control of birdsong -
peripheral answers to central questions
b
Abstract:
Vocal behavior in songbirds is controlled by a well-characterized
network of brain nuclei, but many questions about motor control
remain unanswered. In order to understand central neural control we
must learn about the target organs and their role in generating the
behavior. Songbird vocal behavior is produced by coordinated activity
of the respiratory system and the vocal organ, the syrinx, which
houses two independently controlled sound generators. Using the
example of how birds control sound frequency, I will illustrate that
insight into the peripheral systems can contribute greatly to our
understanding of central motor control.
|
Mathematical Biology Program
Department of Mathematics
University of Utah
155 South 1400 East Room 233
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
rasmusse@math.utah.edu
|
|
