Correlation of fingertip shear force direction with somatosensory cortical activity in monkey

摘要: To examine the activity of somatosensory cortex (S1) neurons to self-generated shear forces on index and thumb, two monkeys were trained grasp a stationary metal tab with key grip exert without fingers slipping in one four orthogonal directions for 1 s. A majority (∼85%) slowly adapting rapidly (RA) S1 had modulated force direction. The cells recorded mainly areas 2 S1, although some area 3b also responded direction or magnitude. preferred vectors distributed every direction, tuning arcs varying from 50° 170°. Some RA sensitive dynamic static but within narrower range, suggesting that may influence adaptation rate. Other diametrically opposite directions. directional sensitivity cortical is consistent recordings cutaneous afferents showing even slip, powerful stimulus neurons.