Neural representation in M1 and S1 cortex of bilateral hand actions during prehension

Abstract

Humans can manipulate small objects with the right or left hand but typically select the dominant hand to handle them. We trained monkeys to grasp and manipulate objects with either hand, while recording neural activity in primary motor (M1) and somatosensory (S1) cortex. Actions of both hands activate M1 neurons, but S1 neurons respond only to the contralateral hand. Bilateral sensitivity in M1 may aid skill transfer between hands after stroke or head injury.