Hans Helmut Kornhuber

Kornhuber

Hans Helmut Kornhuber (1928–2009) was a German neurologist and neuroscientist known for his pioneering work in the field of neurophysiology. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the brain's motor control mechanisms and the neural basis of voluntary movement.

Early Life and Education

Hans Helmut Kornhuber was born in Germany in 1928. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Freiburg, where he developed an interest in the workings of the human brain. After completing his medical degree, he continued his research in neuroscience and neurology.

Career and Research

Kornhuber is best known for his discovery of the Bereitschaftspotential (readiness potential) in the 1960s, a groundbreaking finding in the study of voluntary motor activity. The Bereitschaftspotential is a measure of brain activity that occurs before a person initiates a voluntary movement. This discovery provided crucial insights into the neural processes that precede conscious motor actions.

Kornhuber's work laid the foundation for further research into the cerebral cortex and its role in planning and executing movements. His studies have had a lasting impact on the fields of neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, and motor control.

Legacy

Hans Helmut Kornhuber's contributions to neuroscience have been widely recognized and continue to influence contemporary research. His work on the Bereitschaftspotential has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the brain's role in voluntary movement and motor control.

Personal Life

Kornhuber was known for his dedication to his research and his passion for understanding the complexities of the human brain. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of significant scientific contributions.

See Also

• Neurophysiology
• Bereitschaftspotential
• Voluntary movement
• Motor control
• Cerebral cortex