CENTRAL CONNECTIONS FOR AFFERENT FIBERS FROM THE KNEE JOINT OF THE CAT

Abstract

Connections in the spinal cord of afferent fibers from the knee joint of the cat were studied by electrophysiological methods. The results indicate that most, if not all, articular fibers synapse with internuncial neurons shortly after entering the spinal cord. The larger myelinated fibers also continue rostrally in ipsilateral dorsal funiculi to the medulla oblongata. Maximum conduction rates at levels of entry were 90 to 100 meters per sec., but only 20 to 30 m. per sec. at cervical levels. The decrease probably results from a decrease in diam. of the parent fibers as collaterals are given off. No evidence of conduction over the spinocerebellar tracts was obtained.