The brain and body are like a dynamic duo, constantly influencing each other and generating complex behavior. While there are plenty of simulation tools for studying neural dynamics or biomechanics separately, there are few options for integrated brain-body modeling. Luckily, the widely-used NEURON simulation platform comes to the rescue! In this tutorial, we show you how NEURON can support integrated neuromechanical modeling. We start by providing a framework for integrating inputs and outputs between the brain and body components. By using NEURON’s pointer construct, we’re able to share information and create a seamless interaction between the two. It may sound simple, but using pointers can be challenging due to syntax and programming options. However, fear not! We present five different computational models that demonstrate code modularity and the integration of neural and biomechanical modeling within NEURON. From muscle force to feeding behavior in sea hares, NEURON can handle it all. So join us on this exciting journey of merging brain and body dynamics with NEURON!

The dynamical properties of the brain and the dynamics of the body strongly influence one another. Their interaction generates complex adaptive behavior. While a wide variety of simulation tools exist for neural dynamics or biomechanics separately, there are few options for integrated brain-body modeling. Here, we provide a tutorial to demonstrate how the widely-used NEURON simulation platform can support integrated neuromechanical modeling. As a first step toward incorporating biomechanics into a NEURON simulation, we provide a framework for integrating inputs from a “periphery” and outputs to that periphery. In other words, “body” dynamics are driven in part by “brain” variables, such as voltages or firing rates, and “brain” dynamics are influenced by “body” variables through sensory feedback. To couple the “brain” and “body” components, we use NEURON’s pointer construct to share information between “brain” and “body” modules. This approach allows separate specification of brain and body dynamics and code reuse. Though simple in concept, the use of pointers can be challenging due to a complicated syntax and several different programming options. In this paper, we present five different computational models, with increasing levels of complexity, to demonstrate the concepts of code modularity using pointers and the integration of neural and biomechanical modeling within NEURON. The models include: (1) a neuromuscular model of calcium dynamics and muscle force, (2) a neuromechanical, closed-loop model of a half-center oscillator coupled to a rudimentary motor system, (3) a closed-loop model of neural control for respiration, (4) a pedagogical model of a non-smooth “brain/body” system, and (5) a closed-loop model of feeding behavior in the sea hare Aplysia californica that incorporates biologically-motivated non-smooth dynamics. This tutorial illustrates how NEURON can be integrated with a broad range of neuromechanical models.Code available athttps://github.com/fietkiewicz/PointerBuilder.

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