Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.31.272583v1?rss=1 Authors: Nandakumar, B., Blumenthal, G. H., Pauzin, F. P., Moxon, K. A. Abstract: Sensorimotor integration in the trunk system has been poorly studied despite its importance for examining recovery after neurological injury or disease. Here, we mapped the relationship between thoracic dorsal root ganglia and trunk sensory cortex to create a detailed map of the extent and internal organization of trunk primary sensory cortex, and trunk primary motor cortex and showed that both cortices are somatotopically complex structures that are larger than previously described. Surprisingly, projections from trunk S1 to trunk M1 were not anatomically organized. We found relatively weak sensorimotor integration within trunk cortices and between trunk and forelimb compared to extensive integration between trunk and hindlimb sensorimotor cortices. This strong trunk/hindlimb connection was identified for high intensity stimuli that activated proprioceptive pathways. To assess the implication of this integration, the responses in sensorimotor cortex were examined during a postural control task and supported sensorimotor integration between hindlimb sensory and lower trunk motor cortex. Together, suggest that trunk M1 is guided predominately by hindlimb proprioceptive information that reached the cortex directly via the thalamus. This unique sensorimotor integration suggests an essential role for the trunk system in postural control, and its consideration could be important for understanding studies regarding recovery of function after spinal cord injury. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info