How do mice run on a surface? - briefly
Mice propel themselves by rapidly alternating limb strokes, using their paws to generate frictional grip and thrust against the substrate. Sensory feedback adjusts stride length and foot placement to maintain balance on varying surface textures.
How do mice run on a surface? - in detail
Mice achieve rapid locomotion on solid substrates through a combination of specialized anatomy, neuromuscular coordination, and tactile feedback. Their elongated hind limbs generate propulsive forces, while the flexible spine provides a wave-like motion that amplifies stride length. Each stride consists of a swing phase, during which the forelimb lifts and moves forward, and a stance phase, where the footpad contacts the surface and transmits force.
The plantar surface of the foot contains dense arrays of mechanoreceptors that detect micro‑variations in texture and friction. These receptors relay signals to the somatosensory cortex, allowing instantaneous adjustments in paw placement and grip. Muscular activation patterns are governed by spinal central pattern generators, which produce rhythmic bursts without requiring cortical input for each step.
Key factors influencing movement on different materials include:
- Surface roughness: Rough textures increase shear resistance, enabling higher traction and reducing slip.
- Compliance: Soft or deformable surfaces absorb impact energy, prompting mice to increase stride frequency to maintain speed.
- Moisture: Wet conditions lower coefficient of friction, leading to shortened stance durations and altered paw splay.
Experimental observations show that laboratory mice can sustain velocities up to 1.5 m·s⁻¹ on smooth glass, while on sand they reduce speed to approximately 0.8 m·s⁻¹, compensating with higher stride frequency. High‑speed video analysis reveals that the duty factor (percentage of gait cycle spent in stance) decreases from 60 % on hard surfaces to 45 % on compliant ones, reflecting adaptive timing control.
Overall, mouse locomotion on a plane results from integrated biomechanical design, precise sensory input, and flexible neural circuitry that together optimize speed, stability, and energy efficiency across a wide range of surface conditions.