Properties of pyramidal tract neuron system within a functionally defined subregion of primate motor cortex

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Microelectrode techniques were used to define a number of the population characteristics of selected efferent cell groups within the arm area of the monkey''s [Macaca mulatta] precentral gyrus. The investigation was confined to a small cortical zone whose major motor effects are exerted on the flexor-extensor musculature of the contralateral wrist. An attempt was made to characterize each cell system with regard to its laminar distribution and relative cellular packing density, its distribution of axonal conduction velocities and apparent cell sizes, the major destinations of its axons and the relative magnitude of its axon collateral projections to selected sensory and motor nuclei. Findings with regard to the pyramidal tract neuron system are given.