Activity of monkey primary somatosensory cortical neurons changes prior to active movement.

Changes in the discharge rates of monkey primary somatosensory cortical neurons were recorded during the performance of wrist flexion and extension. Neurons with activity changes that occurred early before movement onset were often found in areas 3a, 1 and 2, but rarely in area 3b. Based on timing considerations, these observations suggest that somatosensory cortical neurons receive central as well as peripheral inputs that modulate their activity and that may be related to changes in tactile threshold before movement.