Limb-Specific Representation for Reaching in the Posterior Parietal Cortex

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1442-08.2008
• Publication Date: 2008-06-11T16:28:15Z
• Authors: S. W. C. Chang; A. R. Dickinson; L. H. Snyder
• Keywords: Representation

To reach for something we see, the brain must integrate target location with limb to be used reaching. Neuronal activity in parietal region (PRR) located posterior cortex represents targets Does this representation depend on used? We found a continuum of limb-dependent and limb-independent responses: some neurons represented movements either limb, whereas others only contralateral-limb targets. Only few cells ipsilateral-limb Furthermore, these representations were not dependent preferred direction. Additional experiments provide evidence that PRR is specifically involved movements: firing rates are correlated contralateral- but reaction times. The current study therefore provides novel operates as stage lies further along sensory–motor transformation visually guided reaching than previously expected.