Learned Timing of Motor Behavior in the Smooth Eye Movement Region of the Frontal Eye Fields

SummaryProper timing is a critical aspect of motor learning. We report a relationship between a representation of time and an expression of learned timing in neurons in the smooth eye movement region of the frontal eye fields (FEFSEM). During prelearning pursuit of target motion at a constant velocity, each FEFSEM neuron is most active at a distinct time relative to the onset of pursuit tracking. In response to an instructive change in target direction, a neuron expresses the most learning when the instruction occurs near the time of its maximal participation in prelearning pursuit. Different neurons are most active, and undergo the most learning, at distinct times during pursuit. We suggest that the representation of time in the FEFSEM drives learning that is temporally linked to an instructive change in target motion, and that this may be a general function of motor areas of the cortex.

► FEFSEM neurons show changes in firing during temporally precise pursuit learning ► Learning is biggest in neurons that prefer the onset time of the instructive signal ► A shift in the timing of the instruction promotes learning in different neurons ► The learned neural response does not merely reflect the altered eye movement