[Problem] Proposed are a model-animal functional-improvement evaluation apparatus and a nerve-cell culturing apparatus with which it is possible to perform, even with a mammal model animal, feedback control on the basis of biological signals as with the case of humans by using a relatively simple configuration. [Solution] Provided are: biological-signal detection units that are attached to one of or both of an upper site on a center side with respect to a desired site in the body of a mammal model animal and a lower site on a peripheral side with respect to the desired site, and that detect biological signals caused by biological activity of the model animal; a control unit that causes a driving source to generate motive power, in accordance with decisions made by the model animal, on the basis of the biological signals detected by the biological-signal detection units; and a motion-transmitting-mechanism unit that is connected to holding parts, which hold the tips of the feet of the individual legs of the model animal, and that transmits the motive power generated by the driving source to the holding parts so that swinging of the holding parts follows tracks that are the same as natural patterns of walking motions of the model animal or that are approximations thereof, wherein the control unit controls the motive power generated by the driving source on the basis of the swinging states of the holding parts connected to the motion-transmitting-mechanism unit.
MODEL-ANIMAL FUNCTIONAL-IMPROVEMENT EVALUATION APPARATUS AND NERVE-CELL CULTURING APPARATUS