Proprioceptors monitoring forces in a locust hind leg during kicking form negative feedback loops with flexor tibiae motor neurons

摘要

In preparation for jumping and kicking, a locust slowly generates large forces in the femoral muscles of its hind legs and stores them in elastic distortions of the tendons and femoral cuticle. At the femoro-tibial joints, the semilunar processes are bent, the cuticle of the dorsal distal femur is crumpled, and the femur is expanded in a medio-lateral direction. We have analysed whether these distortions are monitored by sense organs and whether the information they provide is used to limit the forces generated and thus prevent structural damage to the joint.