Relationship between Bioelectric Activity of Neurons in the Gigantocellular Nucleus of the Medulla Oblongata and Spontaneous Movements of Chick Embryo

Electrophysiological study revealed a correlation between changes in bioelectric activity of the reticular gigantocellular nucleus and movements of chick embryos during ontogeny (16-20 days). This relationship increased by the end of embryogenesis. The reticular gigantocellular nucleus is the major source of supraspinal influences on motor activity during ontogeny. Blockade of proprioceptive impulses with myorelaxin inhibited bioelectric activity of the regulatory gigantocellular nucleus, which attests to the activating effect of proprioception.