Neuroplasticity of the Sensorimotor Cortex during Learning

Figure 1

The rat reach-grasp-retrieve (RGR) task. The rat is allowed to make one controlled reach for the food pellet seen at position 1. The rat must reach through a slot that is large enough for his hand, but not his mouth or whiskers. The rat must then walk to the back of the chamber where they may receive a second food pellet. Walking to the back of the cage is necessary in order for a new food pellet to be placed at position 1.