Thalamic projections from electrophysiologically defined sites of body surface representations in areas 3b and 1 of somatosensory cortex of Cebus monkeys.

Projections to the ventroposterior (VP) complex of the thalamus were investigated after [3H]proline injections were placed in electrophysiologically identified parts of the representations of the body surface in areas 3b and 1 of somatosensory cortex of cebus monkeys. Injections placed in somatotopically matched parts of the representations in area 3b and 1 labeled similar parts of VP. Evidence was provided for the representation of the face medially in ventroposterior medial nucleus (VPM), the hand and foot in medial and lateral subnuclei in ventroposterior lateral nucleus (VPL), and the trunk and proximal limbs dorsally and caudally in VPL.