Representation of Masticatory Movement in the Amygdala, Hypothalamus, and Midbrain

Abstract

In thirteen anesthetized cats. the amygdala. hypothalamus. and midbrain structures were stimulated electrically through stereotaxically implanted electrodes and the sites making masticatory responses were explored. Active masticatory sites were found almost everywhere in the amygdaloid nuclear complex, but with the predilection of distribution in the medial. cortical. and basal nuclei. Among hypothalamic structures investigated. the ventromedial nucleus and the medial forebrain bundle made masticatory responses most frequently. Positive points were also found in the subthalamus. substantia nigra. and less frequently also in the red An inference is drawn as to a possible path of 'efferent masticatory impulses from the amygdala.