Motor neurons like this one,
found in the crab Cancer borealis, underlie the walking, swimming, breathing, flying and other rhythmic behaviors found in most creatures, including humans. In this case,
the motor neuron, pictured in
yellow, helps to drive the rhythmic action of the crustacean’s stomach.
Areas believed to be synapses
are shown in pink. (Image generated by Marie Goeritz, a postdoctoral student in neuroscientist
Eve Marder’s lab.)