Projections to the neostriatum from the cat precruciate cortex. Anatomy and physiology

The projections to the striatum from two cytoarchitectonically and functionally distinct subdivisions of the cat precruciate motor cortex were studied using anatomical and electrophysiological techniques. Our results indicate that the medial precruciate cortex (stimulation of which leads to movements of the axial and proximal musculature) has a widespread projection to the lateral half of the caudate nucleus. The lateral precruciate cortex (stimulation of which leads to movements of the distal musculature) has a localized projection within the caudate nucleus adjacent to the internal capsule. Both medial and lateral precruciate areas project to the putamen. These results are discussed in relation to recent studies suggesting that the basal ganglia are involved in the enabling and sequencing of movements.