[09] Sensory and Motor Pathways Flashcards
What are sensory pathways?
Nerve pathways that transmit sensory information from the body to the CNS
What are motor pathways?
Nerve pathways that transmit commands from the CNS to the muscles
What are the main types of sensory pathways?
- Somatosensory pathways
- Visual pathways
- Auditory pathways
What are the main types of motor pathways?
- Pyramidal pathways
- Extrapyramidal pathways
What is the function of somatosensory pathways?
They transmit information about touch, temperature, pain and body position
What is the function of visual pathways?
They transmit information about sight
What is the function of auditory pathways?
They transmit information about sound
What is the function of pyramidal pathways?
They control voluntary movements
What is the function of extrapyramidal pathways?
They control involuntary movements
What are sensory (afferent) neurons?
Neurons that carry sensory information from the body to the CNS
What are motor (efferent) neurons?
Neurons that carry commands from the CNS to the muscles
How is sensory information encoded for transmission in sensory pathways?
It is converted into electrical signals called action potentials
How are commands encoded for transmission in motor pathways?
They are also converted into action potentials
What is the role of sensory pathways in reflex actions?
They carry sensory information to the spinal cord, triggering an automatic motor response
What is the role of motor pathways in reflex actions?
They carry commands from the spinal cord to the muscles involved in the reflex