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Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
Population-based corticospinal interactions in macaques are correlated with visuomotor processing.
Itay Asher1, Nofya Zinger, Yuval Yanai
1Department of Physiology, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|May 16, 2009
Summary
This study reveals dynamic interactions between the motor cortex and spinal cord during visuomotor transformation. These neural connections influence movement preparation and execution, impacting reaction times and motor response amplitudes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Visuomotor transformation is crucial for voluntary actions.
- The precise interaction between the motor cortex and spinal cord during this process remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of visuomotor transformation in the motor cortex and cervical spinal cord.
- To elucidate the dynamic interplay between cortical and spinal activity during a visuomotor task.
Main Methods:
- Recorded local field potentials (LFPs) and multi-unit activity (MUA) in the motor cortex and cervical spinal cord of monkeys performing an isometric wrist task.
- Analyzed population activity patterns related to visual and motor events.
Main Results:
- Both motor cortex and spinal cord exhibited robust responses to visual and motor events.
- Motor cortex LFP responses were primarily visual, while MUA responses were motor-related.
- Spinal MUA showed distinct visual and motor response patterns.
- Visual and motor response amplitudes were positively correlated and negatively correlated with reaction times.
- Cortical activity preceded spinal activity, indicating dynamic corticospinal interactions.
Conclusions:
- Corticospinal interactions are present during early movement preparation.
- These dynamic interactions likely shape the execution of motor actions.
- Understanding these neural pathways is key to comprehending voluntary movement.
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