Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt University, Berlin 10115, Germany.
Neuron. 2011 Oct 20;72(2):193-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.10.002.
In this issue, two studies, by Ehrlich et al. and Hill et al., address the role of the frontal motor cortices in behavior of the rat and suggest a potential role for this structure in high-level control of diverse behaviors. Hill et al. show that motor cortical neurons predict whisker movements even without sensory feedback and that their activity reflects efferent control. Surprisingly, Ehrlich et al. report the participation of this same cortical region in the preparation and execution of orienting behaviors.
在本期中,Ehrlich 等人和 Hill 等人的两项研究探讨了额前运动皮层在大鼠行为中的作用,并提出了该结构在多种行为的高级控制中的潜在作用。Hill 等人表明,运动皮质神经元甚至在没有感觉反馈的情况下也可以预测胡须运动,并且它们的活动反映了传出控制。令人惊讶的是,Ehrlich 等人报告说同一皮质区域参与了定向行为的准备和执行。