[Sensory properties of neurons of a nonspecific brain structure--the caudate nucleus].

The paper deals with sensory function of single neurons in nonspecific high-level brain structures. Certain aspects of the problem are shown to be complex and disputable. The choice of the research object, nucleus caudatus, is substantiated. Results of experiments with alert cats are presented. Extracellularly recorded neuronal responses to various light stimuli are compared. Local light stimuli, especially under a definite spatial distribution of illuminated sites in the visual field, are found to be more advantageous in neuron activation than diffuse light. Difficulties in interpretation of the data obtained are discussed in connection with fluctuation of background activity and recorded responses under multiple application of the stimuli. An attempt is made to relate sensory properties of the neostriatum to the regulatory efferent function of this structure.