ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC AND MONOSYNAPTIC DEFINITION OF REFLEX EXCITABILITY DURING MUSCLE STRETCH

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Abstract
- Two methods of measuring reflex excitability to stretch were compared in decerebrate cats: (1) monosynaptic testing and (2) electromyography. The methods were at variance in a number of instances, such as stretch at different tensions, stretch before and after spinalization or before and after light etherization. The basic explanation was that a "discharge test" such as electromyography emphasizes the behavior of the active neurons alone while monosynaptic testing measures the size of the subliminal fringe which actually may be silent from the point of view of reflex excitability. The sources of error in monosynaptic testing, in both its homo- and heterosynaptic forms, are critically discussed.