I. Some Mechanisms Regulating the Motor Output.- 1. Spinal Mechanisms Regulating the Output of Alpha-Motoneurons.- 2. Supraspinal Control of the Motor Apparatus.- 3. Experimental Models of Disorders of Muscle Tone with Particular Reference to the Role of the Gamma-System.- II. Spasticity and Rigidity.- 1. Studies of the Motor System in Man: Methodological Aspects.- 2. Reflex Studies in Humans.- a) The Myotatic Reflex Evoked by Passive Movements of the Limb.- b) The Tonic Vibration Reflex (TVR).- c) Polysynaptic Skin Reflexes.- 3. Problems Concerning the Role of the Gamma-System in Motor Control of Humans.- a) The Jendrassik Maneuver (JM).- b) Comparative Studies of Excitability by Means of the H-Reflex and the T-Reflex.- c) The Tonic Vibration Reflex (TVR).- d) Pharmacological Activation of Muscle Spindles.- e) Differential Nerve Block.- f) Modification of the Gamma-Bias by Pharmacological Substances Acting on the Central Nervous System.- g) Direct Observations on Single Muscle Spindle Afferents.- 4. A Brief Survey on Evaluation of Muscle Tone in Motor Disorders.- a) Parkinsonian Rigidity.- b) Spasticity of Spinal Origin.- c) Spasticity of Cerebral Origin.- References.