Changes in Somatosensory Responsiveness in Behaving Monkeys
Abstract
Four research goals were accomplished: (1) It was determined that sensory responsiveness of primary somatosensory (SI) cortical neurons to vibratory stimuli is quantitatively different depending upon whether monkeys make wrist movements in response to the stimuli or withhold movement. (2) For a special class of SI neurons, it was determined that activity occurring before movement is comprised of a reactivation of the neuron's sensor response and a presumably centrally generated component. (3) It was determined that sensory responsiveness and premovement activity are elevated when behavioral conditions are unpredictable as compared to when they are predictable. (4) It was determined that human subjects can acquire a positional target by wrist movements more quickly if vibratory go-cues are presented in addition to the illumination of a visual signal lamp. The neurophysiological experiments suggest that the responsiveness of SI neurons is profoundly affected by behavioral conditions and an animal's expectation of correct performance. The human psychophysical experiments suggest that the addition of vibratory go-cues to control systems may have benefits without seeming to degrade performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226832
Entities
People
- Randall J. Nelson
Organizations
- University of Tennessee