Recording of spindle afferent discharge during hindlimb movements in spinalized turtles.

The feasibility of spindle afferent recording during naturally or electrically induced hindlimb movements is demonstrated in the case of spinalized, decapitated turtles. Since these recordings are obtained from fine filaments of exposed dorsal roots, it is possible for the experimenter to select the afferents of interest. This feasibility, together with the fact that spinally generated movements are readily exhibited, make the turtle an attractive animal for the study of spinal motor control mechanisms.