[Functional organization of pathways transmitting auditory signals in the somatosensory zone of the cat cerebral cortex].

The functional properties of the auditory projections to the somatosensory zones S2 and S were studied by recording evoked potentials in anesthetized and vigil unrestrained cats. The thresholds of evoked potentials recorded from SI and SII were higher by 15--35 db than those from AI. No tonotopical localization was found in SI and SII. Signals about pure tones of different frequencies were conducted to SI and SII via area AI. The signals about clicks were ascending to SI and SII not only through this pathway, but also through other ones. It suggested from the time constants analysis of the first positive wave of the evoked potentials that the interneuronal organization of the cortical auditory projections to AI is not so comples as that to SI and SII. The differences in amplitudes of evoked potential recorded in SI indicate that the head projection areas receive higher portion of the auditory projections. This is confirmed by the morphological evidence.