The effects of multiple reflex pathways on the oscillations in neuro-muscular systems

Abstract

A model of mammalian neuro-muscular systems described previously (Oguztoreli and Stein, 1975) has been extended to include multiple reflex pathways, as have been shown to exist in primates, including man (Milner-Brown et al., 1975). A number of general mathematical properties of the extended system are described. In the final section, using computer solutions, it is shown that the presence of multiple reflex pathways can effectively reduce the tendency for oscillation which will exist if high reflex gain were concentrated in a single pathway. High loop gain is desirable for good control in any negative feedback system, so the presence of multiple reflex pathways could improve reflex control, while limiting the magnitude of tremor or other unwanted oscillations in neuro-muscular systems.