Reciprocal contraction of antagonistic muscles in peripheral preparations, using flashing neon-lamp circuit for excitation of nerve

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
It has been shown by one of the authors (G.B.) that all types of respiratory movement and different degrees of postural tone in the diaphragm can be accurately reproduced by suitably varying the amplitude of a faradic stimulus. It is now shown that reciprocal contraction of antagonistic muscles can be obtained in peripheral preparations by reciprocal excitation of the nerves of opposing muscles. The regular intermittent discharges of a condenser in a specially modified form of the flashing neon tube circuit were used. Typical discharge circuit time graphs for this circuit, obtained by means of a cathode ray oscillograph, are given. If during the controlled rhythmic movements of a limb the mechanism producing phasic variation in the strength of stimulation is stopped at any point, the limb remains held n posture. The method of stimulation is thus shown to be adequate for both functions[long dash]movement and posture.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: