Distribution and response characteristics of masseteric nerve-driven neurons in two separate cortical projection areas of cats.

Cortical projection areas and distribution and response characteristics of masseteric nerve-driven neurons (MDN) were studied by recording surface-evoked potentials and single neuronal activities elicited by stimulation of the contralateral masseteric nerve in cats. Neuronal activities of MDNs could be recorded in two separate cortical areas. One was located in laminae II-III of area 3b of the posterior part of the coronal gyrus (P), and the other in laminae IV-V of areas 3a and 6a beta of the anterior parts of the coronal and lateral sigmoid gyri (A). The majority of MDNs were driven by low-threshold muscle afferents (Group I and II). Peak latencies of MDNs in P were shorter than those in A. Intracortical microstimulation (less than 30 microA) in A produced oro-facial movements while stimulation in P did not produce any motor effects.