An Electromyographic Study of the Adductor Mandibulae Complex of a Free-Swimming Carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.) During Feeding

Abstract

1. The anatomy of the upper and lower jaws of the carp, together with the associated maxillaris and mandibularis muscles of the adductor mandibulae complex, is described. 2. From the electromyograms of the adductor mandibulae muscles, recorded simultaneously with a 16 mm film of the mouth movements in a free-swimming carp, the muscle coordination of the diverse mouth movements during feeding has been studied. 3. The interpretation of the results has been verified by electrical stimulation of the muscles, in different combinations, in a fish in which spontaneous movements were abolished by heavy anaesthesia.