Abstract

The gross morphology of the central nervous system of crayfish has been known for more than 150 years. The increase in knowledge regarding the internal structure has been associated with refinements in histological techniques and today it is possible to identify specific neuron types. Recently developed biochemical and immunocytochemical methods have allowed the establishment of a 'chemical anatomy' of the central nervous system. Presumed transmitter substances and the enzymes producing them in the neurons can be identified and the precise location of any particular substrate in the nervous system can be determined. By combining information on chemical identities, morphology, connectivity patterns, and electrophysiological properties, a reliable characterization of specific identified neurons can be made. This mapping provides a good base for experiments on the basic functions of a nervous system. Recent work on the chemical anatomy of the crayfish central nervous system is reviewed.

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