Introduction

Abstract

Sensation in animals and humans is often an active process that involves motion, e.g., moving fingers on a textured surface and eye movements. In this dynamic process, motion and sensation are strongly interdependent: internal motor information is needed to interpret external sensory signals, and sensory information is used to shape appropriate behavior. This book explores the neural mechanisms underlying sensorimotor integration that allow the sensory and motor systems to communicate and coordinate their activity. Studying the rodent whisker system has tremendously advanced our understanding of sensorimotor integration in mammals and is the focus of this book. In ten chapters, written by leading scientists, we present important findings and exciting current directions in the field.