welcome
Phys Org

Phys Org

Science

Science

Octopus arms have segmented nervous systems to power extraordinary movements

Phys Org
Summary
Nutrition label

89% Informative

New research from the University of Chicago reveals that the nervous system circuitry that controls arm movement in octopuses is segmented.

Octopuses have a massive nervous system, with more neurons combined across the eight arms than in the animal's brain.

Nerves from multiple segments connect to different regions of muscles, suggesting the segments work together to control movement.

More information: Neuronal segmentation in cephalopod arms, Nature Communications ( 2025 ). DOI: 10.1038 /s41467-024-55475-5 Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by University of Chicago .