TY  - INPR
PB  - Elsevier BV
JF  - Neuroscience
N1  - © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.
This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
TI  - Key steps in the evolution of mammalian movement: A prolegomenal essay
Y1  - 2020/05/22/
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.020
ID  - discovery10098953
AV  - public
N2  - Rich repertoires of movements underlie the complex social interactions of mammals. The building blocks, or syllables, of these movements are produced by spinal cord circuits that are comprised of diverse neuronal types that control musculoskeletal systems comprised of multi-segmented limbs. Together, these systems provide mammals with the evolutionary advantages of power, speed, and endurance. Here, I propose that the key steps in chordate evolution that led to these traits began with the development of the notochord and a proliferative ventricular zone (with associated Notch signalling). This step led to the production of diverse neuronal types that included the development of a sympathetic nervous system that could regulate the evolving cardiovascular system. And the sympathetic nervous system in turn led to the development of homeothermic endothermy, a requirement for motor systems to produce a combination of power, speed, and endurance. Furthermore, the evolution of the continuous structure of the spinal cord led not only to a structure fit for cartesian signalling molecules, but also to one with high processing power in which circuits for effecting movement syllables formed. These syllables are harnessed by higher regions of nervous systems to produce the complex movements required for interactions with others and with the surrounding environment.
KW  - notochord
KW  -  ventricular zone
KW  -  sympathetic nervous system
KW  -  endothermy
KW  -  spinal cord
KW  -  movement
KW  -  microcircuits
KW  -  cardiovascular evolution
A1  - Brownstone, RM
SN  - 0306-4522
ER  -