Structure and function in the cerebral ganglion

Evidence is reviewed to evaluate whether the term “brain” is justified in referring to the snail's cerebral ganglion. The focus of the review is terrestrial species, with particular attention given to the genus Helix. In accordance with a standard definition of “brain,” the cerebral ganglion is found to be differentiated both structurally and functionally. It receives convergent sensory inputs from a variety of anterior sensory organs plus the posterior body wall. Its outputs comprise motor commands directed towards anterior muscle systems, e.g., the tentacles and the penis, as well as premotor commands directed towards executory centers in other ganglia, e.g., the buccal, visceral, and pedal ganglia. Of the three major divisions in the ganglion, the procerebrum and the mesocerebrum are the most differentiated, whereas the metacerebrum is the least differentiated. The specializations of the procerebrum for olfactory functions, and the mesocerebrum for reproductive functions, reflect the importance of adaptations for feeding and mating in the evolution of the Gastropoda. Microsc. Res. Tech. 49:511–520, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.