THE INFLUENCE OF THE PROPRIOCEPTIVE NERVES OF THE HIND LIMBS UPON THE POSTURE OF THE FORE LIMBS IN DECEREBRATE CATS

Abstract

Forceful flexion of the knee joint, vigorous traction upon Sthe patellar tenden, or weak faradisatien of the central end of the sciatic nerve in the decerebrate cat produce extension of the fore-limb on the same side, flexion of the fore-limb on the opposite side, and extension of the hind-limb on the opposite side. Vigorous traction upon the semitendinosus or upon any of the knee flexors is without effect upon the fore-limbs or the hind-limb on the opposite side. The reactions observed here throw important light upon the mechanism of progression.