Figure 1.

Experimental setup and data analysis methods. (A) Phase-contrast image of a dissected embryo. The axon is being pushed with the microneedle from its NMJ end. (B) The geometrical parameters are labeled on the fluorescent image of an axon undergoing a complete slackening cycle. (C) Path-length computation achieved by tracing the intensity centroid along the length of axons at different time points. (D) Contraction-factor-versus-time plot of an axon pushed twice. Dotted lines are least-square fits of the inset equation to the raw data. The inset plot provides an expanded look at the transient region. To see this figure in color, go online.