The distribution of monosynaptic excitation from the pyramidal tract and from primary spindle afferents to motoneurones of the baboon's hand and forearm

Abstract

1. Intracellular records were obtained from motoneurones innervating muscles of the baboon's forearm and hand. Monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were elicited by stimulation of motor cortex (CM EPSPs) and peripheral nerves (Ia EPSPs). 2. CM EPSPs were larger on average in motoneurones innervating intrinsic hand muscles and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) than in neurones of other forearm muscles. 3. Among motoneurones of the median nerve, the CM EPSP tended to be larger for cells with more rapidly conducting axons than for those with more slowly conducting axons. Among motoneurones of EDC the opposite tendency was found. 4. The afferent fibres responsible for the Ia EPSP nearly always had a lower stimulus threshold than that of motor axons in the same nerve. Some observations were made concerning the distribution of heteronymous Ia EPSPs. 5. Among motoneurones of a given nerve, those with large Ia EPSPs tended to receive larger CM EPSPs than did cells in which the Ia EPSP was small. 6. The results are discussed in relation to problems concerning the pyramidal control of hand and finger movement.