Localization of arm representation in the cerebral peduncle of the non‐human primate

Abstract

Motor deficit severity and the potential for recovery in patients with brain injury depend on the integrity of descending corticofugal projections. Clinical assessment of these conditions following subtotal brain trauma requires a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical structures involved in the lesion as well as those structures that are spared. To assist in this endeavor, we investigated motor fiber organization in the crus cerebri of the cerebral peduncle (ccCP) in the rhesus monkey. Fibers originating from the arm representations of the primary (M1), supplementary (M2), rostral cingulate (M3), caudal cingulate (M4), dorsolateral pre- (LPMCd) and ventrolateral pre- (LPMCv) motor cortices were studied. The projections from the frontal and cingulate motor cortices formed descending longitudinal bundles that occupied the medial three-fifths of the ccCP at superior and middle levels. Although considerable overlap characterized these corticofugal projections, a general topography was discernable. Fibers from M1 and M4 occupied the central subsector of the ccCP, and fibers from M3 resided medially. The main distribution of LPMCd, LPMCv, and M2 fibers occupied the centromedial region and overlapped extensively. Progressing inferiorly, all fiber bundles in the central and centromedial sectors gradually extended medially, and overlap increased. A common location of fiber passage occurred at the midbrain-pontine isthmus where all of the fiber bundles overlapped. Our findings indicate that the widespread distribution of corticofugal motor projections may account for the favorable levels of motor recovery that accompany subtotal midbrain injury. At superior and mid-levels of the ccCP anteromedial lesions may disrupt projections from M3, whereas anterolateral lesions may disrupt projections from M1 and M4. Fibers from M2, LPMCv, and LPMCd may be compromised to some degree in both situations. The compact and commixed nature of motor fiber organization at inferior levels and the midbrain-pontine isthmus suggests a vulnerable region of passage for comprehensive disruption of frontal and cingulate corticofugal projection fibers.