Fig. 8: Summary of AN functional encoding, brain targeting and VNC patterning.
From: Ascending neurons convey behavioral state to integrative sensory and action selection brain regions
a, ANs encode behavioral states in a specific (for example, eye grooming) or general (for example, any foreleg movement) manner. b, Corresponding anatomical analysis shows that ANs primarily target the AVLP, a multimodal, integrative brain region, and the GNG, a region associated with action selection. c,d, By comparing functional encoding with brain targeting and VNC patterning, we found that signals critical for contextualizing object motion—walking, resting and gust-like stimuli—are sent to the AVLP (c), whereas signals indicating diverse ongoing behavioral states are sent to the GNG (d), potentially to influence future action selection. e, Broad (for example, walking) or narrow (for example, turning) behavioral encoding is associated with diffuse and bilateral or restricted and unilateral VNC innervations, respectively. c–e, AN projections are color-coded by behavioral encoding. Axons and dendrites are not distinguished from one another. Brain and VNC regions are labeled. Frequently innervated brain regions—the GNG and AVLP—are highlighted (light orange). Less frequently innervated areas are outlined. The midline of the central nervous system is indicated (dashed line).
