Mauthnerian system

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Mauthnerian system A neurolocomotory system, well developed in teleosts, that gives rise to a startle response. Two giant nerves located to either side of the midline in the medulla oblongata which synapse with the acoustic nerve have giant axons which cross over and extend the length of the body, synapsing with motor neurons. Stimulation of the acoustic nerve from one side results in a rapid, forceful contraction of the body trunk on the other side, initiating rapid locomotion forward and away from the direction of stimulus.

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