Generalized electrocortical activation by cortical stimulation in the cat

Abstract

1. 1. In the cat, the cerebral cortical areas have been determined from which on electrical stimulation a generalized electrocortical activation (desynchronization) can be elicited (fig. 1). 2. 2. Positive sites were located in (i) the medial frontal cortex and the cingulate and hippocampal gyri; (ii) the intermediate lateral frontal cortex; (iii) the temporo-occipital cortex; (iv) the orbito-insulo-temporal polar region; and (v) the parietal cortex. 3. 3. The responsive areas correspond to those from which a behavior “attention” response, various autonomic effects, and inhibition of spontaneous movements can be obtained. Through projections to the brain stem or thalamic reticular areas these cortical fields probably contribute to the initiation and maintenance of wakefulness and directed attention.