Comparative Neurobiology

Lampreys, like a number of anamniotic vertebrates, possess a lateral line sensory system that is able to detect mechanical and electrical stimuli.  In addition, the lateral line system of larval lampreys innervates sensory cells in the skin of the tail that are sensitive to light.  Anatomical and behavioral studies in lampreys are used to trace lateral line pathways in the brains of lampreys, examine the composition of the lateral line nerves, identify the light-sensitive cells in the skin and determine the wavelengths of light to which the animals are most sensitive

Representative Publications

Northcutt R.G. and Ronan, M.  Afferent and efferent connections of the bullfrog medial pallium.  Brain Behav. Evol.  40:1-16, 1992

Ronan, M. and Bodznick D.  Behavioral and neurophysiological demonstration of a lateralis skin photosensitivity in larval sea lampreys.  J. Exp. Biol.  161:97-117, 1991

Book Chapter

Ronan, M. And Northcutt, R.G.  The central nervous system of hagfishes.  In: The Biology of Hagfishes (Ed. by Jorgensen, J., Weber, R., Lomholt, J. and Malte, H. Chapman and Hall, London. In press (1976)