Primary Assay — Mouse
Morris Water Maze
Mus musculus
Circular pool of opaque water with hidden escape platform. Mice learn the platform location using spatial cues. The most validated assay for hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Mus musculus.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Escape latency | s | Time to find hidden platform |
| Path length | cm | Swim distance to platform |
| Swim speed | cm/s | Average velocity (motor control) |
| Quadrant time (probe) | % | Time in target quadrant after platform removal |
| Platform crossings (probe) | count | Number of passes over former platform location |
| Search strategy | categorical | Spatial, serial, or random classification |
| Thigmotaxis | % | Wall-hugging during early training |
References
Citations for Morris Water Maze
- Morris R. (1984). Developments of a water-maze procedure for studying spatial learning in the rat. J Neurosci Methods, 11(1), 47-60. PMID: 6471907
- Vorhees CV, Williams MT. (2006). Morris water maze: procedures for assessing spatial and related forms of learning and memory. Nat Protoc, 1(2), 848-858. PMID: 17406317
- D'Hooge R, De Deyn PP. (2001). Applications of the Morris water maze in the study of learning and memory. Brain Res Rev, 36(1), 60-90. PMID: 11516773
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Mouse Research
Open Field Maze (various sizes)
OFT locomotion and anxiety
Elevated Plus Maze
Anxiety-like behavior
Morris Water Maze
Spatial learning and memory
Fear Conditioning Chamber
Contextual and cued FC
Rotarod (accelerating)
Motor coordination
Three-Chamber Social Interaction
Sociability testing
Y-Maze
Spontaneous alternation
Barnes Maze
Spatial learning (dry, less stressful)
Light-Dark Box
Anxiety-like behavior
Forced Swim Test Cylinder
Depressive-like behavior
Tail Suspension Apparatus
Depressive-like behavior
Grip Strength Meter
Neuromuscular function
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Run Morris Water Maze on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your mouse facility.
