Direct projections from the orofacial region of the primary motor cortex to the superior colliculus in the macaque monkey

Abstract

Employing anterograde axonal tracing combined with intracortical microstimulation, we have revealed in the macaque monkey that the orofacial region of the primary motor cortex sends projection fibers to the deep layers of the superior colliculus. The terminal site of these projection fibers was almost localized to the lateral part of the intermediate gray layer at its rostral level, and spatially segregated from that of projection fibers arising; from the frontal eye field. The results indicate the existence of a discrete tectal region related specifically to the control of orofacial movements.