Extracellular recordings from anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) neurons of adult mice performing a tactile decision behavior

These experiments probe neural dynamics in the anterior motor cortex (ALM) and its
relationship to voluntary movement. The data represent extracellular recordings from ALM
neurons of adult mice performing a tactile decision behavior. Mouse uses whisker to detect
which of two possible positions a pole is in. After a delay, the mice indicate the pole
position by licking a sensor either on the right or left. During the experiment extracellular
recordings were made from ALM neurons using 32 channels. Photostimulation was used to
generate antidromic spikes in either layer 5 IT (Intratelencephalic) neuron axons through a
cranial window over contra-lateral ALM or PT (Pyramidal Tract) neuron axons through an optical
fiber in the ipsi-lateral brainstem.