Tuning Curves for Arm Posture Control in Motor Cortex Are Consistent with Random Connectivity.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal responses characterized by regular tuning curves are typically assumed to arise from structured synaptic connectivity. However, many responses exhibit both regular and irregular components. To address the relationship between tuning curve properties and underlying circuitry, we analyzed neuronal activity recorded from primary motor cortex (M1) of monkeys performing a 3D arm posture control task and compared the results with a neural network model. Posture control is well suited for examining M1 neuronal tuning because it avoids the dynamic complexity of time-varying movements. As a function of hand position, the neuronal responses have a linear component, as has previously been described, as well as heterogeneous and highly irregular nonlinearities. These nonlinear components invo

SUBMITTER: Lalazar H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4880440 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature