[Activity of caudate nucleus neurons during purposeful and forced limb movements in the alert cat].

Experiments were carried out on freely moving cats in a screened chamber. Activity of 121 neurones of the caudate nucleus head was examined during various sensory stimulations and during realization of components of a behavioural act (natural food-procuring reflex). No prevailing was found of neuronal reactions to impulses from passively contracting muscle groups of the body and the limbs over responses of the same neurones to sensory stimuli or limb movements during food-procuring reflex. A part of the caudate neurones manifested selective reactions. Three neurones reacted only to the opening of the door of the feeding trough, eight neurones changed their activity only during eating, and seventeen neurones reacted only to goal-directed limb movement. Participation of the neostriatum in sensorimotor integration is discussed.