Synaptic crossroads: navigating the circuits of movement

The anterior lateral motor area (ALM) is crucial in preparing and executing voluntary movements through its diverse neuronal subpopulations that target different subcortical areas. A recent study by Xu et al. utilized an elaborate viral tracing strategy in mice to provide comprehensive whole-brain maps of monosynaptic inputs to the major descending pathways of ALM. The anterior lateral motor area (ALM) is crucial in preparing and executing voluntary movements through its diverse neuronal subpopulations that target different subcortical areas. A recent study by Xu et al. utilized an elaborate viral tracing strategy in mice to provide comprehensive whole-brain maps of monosynaptic inputs to the major descending pathways of ALM.