What are central pattern generators?

Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neural circuits within the nervous system that produce rhythmic patterned outputs without sensory feedback. These are primarily located in the spinal cord and are crucial for generating repetitive movements such as walking, running, cycling, and breathing. After you learn these movements, much of the control is handed off to CPGs, making the process automatic [1].

CPGs function by coordinating activities between different neurons and muscle groups to produce smooth and coordinated rhythmic movements. They are also adaptive, allowing for variations in movement patterns based on changing conditions [2 1]. These neural circuits are so fundamental that even in the absence of a large part of the brain, such as the cerebral cortex, organisms can still perform basic locomotive actions [1].