[Responses of caudate nucleus neurons to different visual stimuli in the actively awake cat]

The responses of caudate neurons to diffuse or local (a slit) light stimuli were studied extracellularly in alert cats during natural fixation of the gaze. The number of neurons responding to local light stimulation was much higher than that responding to diffuse light. Local light stimulation produced more extensive inhibition of neuronal activity as well as "off" responses. Some neurons responded selectively to the orientation of slits. All neuronal responses were recorded with latencies of 40-90 ms. The participation of the caudate nucleus in the analysis of visual sensory information is discussed.