300111 PP Neuroanatomy of arthropods (2008S)

In the lectures, an overview will be given over the nervous system of different arthropods: sense organs, structure of the peripheral and central nervous system, anatomical correlates of different functions (e.g. representation of the sensory environment, learning and memory). In addition, a number of neuroanatomical methods will be discussed, which will form the basis for the practical course. In the practical course, central projections of receptor neurons will be studied. The olfactory system of insects (moths) and the mechanosensory system of spiders are suggested as model systems. Participants are, however, asked to contribute with model systems of their own interest. Classical staining methods, using cobalt chloride, will be compared with methods using modern fluorescence markers. The resulting preparations will be analysed using both classical and confocal microscopy. Different reconstruction methods will be employed to evaluate the obtained data (camera lucida, computer based image analysis). If time permits, overview stainings of the central nervous systems of the used species will be performed.