Theory of the locomotion of nematodes: Dynamics of undulatory progression on a surface
- Creators
- Niebur, Ernst
- Erdős, Paul
Abstract
We develop a model of the undulatory locomotion of nematodes, in particular that of Caenorhabditis elegans, based on mechanics. The model takes into account the most important forces acting on a moving worm and allows the computer simulation of a creeping nematode. These forces are produced by the interior pressure in the liquid-filled body cavity, the elasticity of the cuticle, the excitation of certain sets of muscles and the friction between the body and its support. We propose that muscle excitation patterns can be generated by stretch receptor control. By solving numerically the equations of motion of the model of the nematode, we demonstrate that these muscle excitation patterns are suitable for the propulsion of the animal.
Additional Information
Copyright © 1991 The Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. Received for publication 15 August 1989 and in final form 16 July 1991. This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation through grants 2000-5.295 and 20-28846.90.Attached Files
Published - 1-s2.0-S000634959182149X-main.pdf
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 40483
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20130816-103218416
- Swiss National Science Foundation
- 2000-5.295
- Swiss National Science Foundation
- 20-28846.90
- Created
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2010-03-11Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-09Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Caltech groups
- Koch Laboratory (KLAB)