The neural mechanisms that generate an extensible library of motor motifs and flexibly string
them into arbitrary sequences are unclear. We developed a model in which inhibitory basal …

Highlights•The basal ganglia are critical for chunking motor elements into action
sequences.•Consolidation of motor sequences is paralleled by decreases in neural …

Movement sequences, defined both by the component movements and by the serial order in
which they are produced, are fundamental building blocks of motor behavior. The serial …

Previous studies have suggested that complex movements can be elicited by electrical
stimulation of the motor cortex. Most recording studies in the motor cortex, however, have …

It remains an open question how neural responses in motor cortex relate to movement. We
explored the hypothesis that motor cortex reflects dynamics appropriate for generating …

The ability to sequence movements in response to new task demands enables rich and
adaptive behavior. However, such flexibility is computationally costly and can result in …

Rapid execution of motor sequences is believed to depend on fusing movement elements
into cohesive units that are executed holistically. We sought to determine the contribution of …

The neural substrate of sequence learning is well known. However, we lack a clear
understanding of the detailed functional properties of many of the areas involved. The …

Sparse, sequential patterns of neural activity have been observed in numerous brain areas
during timekeeping and motor sequence tasks. Inspired by such observations, we construct …

Chunking allows the brain to efficiently organize memories and actions. Although basal
ganglia circuits have been implicated in action chunking, little is known about how individual …