Brainstem mechanisms for feeding in birds: interaction or plasticity. A functional-anatomical consideration of the pathways.

Starting from a functional-anatomical analysis of the feeding apparatus of a bird, some expectations are formulated regarding the organization of the neuronal systems controlling the activity of this feeding apparatus. The organization of the premotor-motor system of the jaw muscles, of the exteroceptive system conveying tactile sense from tongue and beak to the brain and of the proprioceptive system of the jaw muscles is discussed. An attempt is made to relate specific structural features of these systems to their function in the control of the different feeding patterns of birds.