Principal component analysis of neural population response of knee joint proprioceptors in cat.

(1) A means of describing the response of neural populations based on principal component analysis is presented. The analysis produces response descriptions that indicate whether two states are distinguishable and suggest how to best distinguish between states. (2) Analysis of slowly adapting joint receptor data from the cat knee joint indicates that the joint receptors are capable of signalling limb position in the range from 150 degrees to 180 degrees of extension during an extension movement. They also provide information which indicates whether the tibia is twisted inward or outward in this range of angles. (3) The first principal component in the response to a constant velocity extension of 8 simultaneously active units described 86% of the total mean square discharge displayed by all 8 units. The first principal component is qualitatively similar to the responses observed in slowly adapting thalamic joint units.