Study Reveals Segmented Nervous System Behind Octopus Arm Dexterity

Researchers uncover how the unique neural structure of octopus arms enables precise, independent movement and sensory capabilities.

Octopus arms contain more neurons than their central brain, concentrated in a segmented axial nerve cord (ANC) running along each arm.
The ANC's segmentation allows local processing and coordination, enabling each arm to move independently and perform complex tasks without central brain input.
Each sucker on an octopus arm has its own neural connection, allowing independent movement, shape changes, and sensory functions like tasting and smelling.
The study highlights evolutionary adaptations in octopuses and squid, showing how neural segmentation supports dexterous, sucker-equipped appendages for different environments.
Insights from this research could inform the design of soft robotics, particularly in creating flexible, autonomous structures modeled after octopus arms.