[The spatial-temporal organization of cortical neuronal functions in a conditioned reflex to time]

Multiunit activity in the motor cortex of cats was analysed during food-procuring conditioning to time (2-minute interval). Comparison of behavioural and neurophysiological correlates at the initial stage of conditioning showed that it was accompanied by very complicated system transformations which were different for neuronal micro- and macrostructures. Systemic processes in the micro- and macroareas were distinguished by a specificity of space distribution, quantity, strength, and stability of manifestations of functional connections. Capability of neurons for functional orientation, increase of percentage of incidence of functional connections in the second half of the conditioned interval, considerable destabilization of all neuronal associations at the last and highest stage of conditioning were the common features for micro- and macroareas during formation of the food-procuring conditioned response.