Abstract
1. The hypothesis is forwarded that some VSCT cells monitor transmission in inhibitory pathways to motoneurones by measuring the output from last order inhibitory interneurones against the excitatory input to them. The hypothesis assumes collateral connexions to VSCT cells, not only from last order inhibitory interneurones of reflex pathways to motoneurones, but also from the excitatory neurones governing these inhibitory interneurones. It is suggested that some of the VSCT cells comparing input-output from inhibitory interneurones also receive collateral connexions from inhibitory neurones converging on the last order inhibitory interneurones of reflex pathways. 2. It is postulated that other VSCT cells compare collateral effects from excitatory and inhibitory pathways converging onto motoneurones. 3. The function of the VSCT is discussed in relation to the integration occurring at an interneuronal level in spinal reflex pathways. It is suggested that the descending control of inhibitory reflex pathways requires feed-back information regarding transmission in these pathways and that this information is supplied by the VSCT.
Published Version
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