THE PRODUCTION OF THE SILENT PERIOD BY THE SYNCHRONIZATION OF DISCHARGE OF MOTOR NEURONES

Abstract

The results of exps. [apparently on decerebrate cats] indicate that all phenomena associated with the silent period are accounted for on the basis of the "resetting" of the rhythmic discharge of the neurones taking part in the stretch reflex by their synchronous discharge in the tendon jerk. The subsidence of afferent flow resulting from the release of tension of "in parallel" sense organs is not the chief mechanism for production of the silent period of the tendon tap. Neither autogenous inhibition from the tendon jerk, nor direct inhibition from the tap itself can be demonstrated as the cause of the "silent period" following the knee-jerk.