Croonian Lecture - The elementary nervous system

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Abstract
Nervous organization is found in a most elementary form in the sea-anemones. Their behavior is brought about partly by specific muscles, partly by the mechanically complex operation of fields of muscle fibers. Stimulation causes conduction of all-or-nothing impulses to the muscles. Histological studies confirm and extend the early work of Sharpey-Schafer on the organization of the coelenterate nerve-net. Much of the later histological work is vitiated by confusion of other fibrous structures with nerve cells. Both. physiological and critical histological studies show that the net is synaptic. Simple reflexes play only a limited part in actinian behavior. There is evidence that several distinct kinds of spontaneous activity are built into the normal behavior mechanisms. A response often consists of a prolonged change in pattern of spontaneous activity, rather than a reflex. The complexity and variety of physiological properties utilized in the behavior of these animals is surprising and often recalls central nervous phenomena. We are perhaps nearer a complete analysis of the structural units on which behavior is based in these than in any other animals.

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