Basic plan : A high level model of nervous system (Monro, 1783) structure-function organization that only contains minimal, essential, or cannonical features; see Jacobson (1991, pp. 6-17), Swanson (2003, 2007). Bauplan (see Kuhlenbeck, 1967, pp. 159-165; Brusca & Brusca, 1990, p. 43) and general plan (see Bullock & Horridge, 1965, p. 11) are synonyms. "General plan of the body" was used as long ago as Aristotle, for example in De Partibus Animalium; see translation by Ogle (1912, 684b-15).