Responses to stimulation of the motor area of the cerebral cortex

Abstract

As indicated by electromyo-graphic rhythms, 180 per sec. is the upper limit at which spinal discharge will follow electrical stimulation of the motor cortex in Macacus rhesus. At rates above and below 180 the response is characterized by irregular waves, eventually attaining a frequency of about 180 per sec. It is suggested that the whole form of the response, as well as the characteristic clonic after-discharge, are signs of conflict between excitatory and inhibitory groups of cells, simultaneously stimulated.