DESCENDING LIMB OF BRACHIUM CONJUNCTIVUM IN CAT. AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY

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Abstract
The brachium conjunctivum and red nucleus of the cat were electrically stimulated. The electro-physiological data disclose that the descending limb of the brachium conjunctivum is located chiefly in the median part of the anterior column bordering the ventromedian fissure, passing through the entire length of the spinal cord. It consists of fairly large fibers arising mostly from the brachium after its decussation. Most of them must recross the midline at spinal levels through the anterior commissure. The rubrospinal tract also extends the full length of the spinal cord and consists of fairly large fibers stemming from the red nucleus of the opposite side. Both descending tracts are activated by the cerebellar outflow and the major spinal downflow of this combined activity works on the same side of the spinal cord. The author was unable to demonstrate, using the system of the monosynaptic reflex, the physiological consequence of this activity.