The objective of this study was to assess the relation of motor cortical neural activity in the rat to self-paced reach-to-grasp movements. Overall, around 40% of excitatory and 60% of inhibitory modulations in neuronal activity began prior to reach onset. These data are consistent with a role for rat motor cortex in the initiation and control of the reaching movement. In addition, although the reach only lasted a short time, 30% of excitations and inhibitions began while it was in progress. The existence of such modulations occurring during the reach is consistent with previous data showing activity of cortical neurons late in the reach, and suggests a heavy involvement of cortical neurons in controlling the recently described, complex movements associated with grasping that are seen in the rat. These features were broadly similar in neurones from both the caudal and rostral subdivisions of rat motor cortex.