[Reactions of the cat cortical field 7 during elaboration of a defensive conditioned reflex]

Neuronal activity of the parietal association cortex (field 7) was recorded in waking cats during and after defensive conditioning to sound. In 68% of neurons changes in impulse activity were observed with the appearance of first conditioned limb movements. The impulse responses of the neurons were stable only in the presence of conditioned limb movements; they disappeared during extinction of the reflex. In 46% of neurons the impulse activity appeared 50-450 ms before the conditioned movements of the limb. "Characteristic" impulse responses to paired stimuli preceded a quick flexion of the limb in response to electric skin stimulation.