Control of movement

Question 1

What are the 3 classifications of movement?

Answer 1

simple reflexes - involuntary, rapid, stereotyped

rhythmic motor patterns - eg. walking, running, chewing - once initiated, they are reflexive

voluntary - complex actions eg. reading, writing - learned

Question 2

Where is rhythmic movement generated and where is it controlled after initiation?

Answer 2

initiated by the brain
before ongoing control at the spinal level

Question 3

What are the key areas in planning and initiation of movement?

Answer 3

primary motor cortex - ‘motor map’ from which signals are sent and movement is initiated

premotor cortex - planning area in the lead up to movement, works with basal ganglia

Question 4

Where does the corticobulbar tract send signals and what do they cause?

Answer 4

sends signals to brainstem
causes movement of head, neck and face

Question 5

Where does the corticospinal tract send signals and what do they cause?

Answer 5

sends signals to spinal cord
causes movement of body

Question 6

What brain areas are important in the modulation of movement?

Answer 6

basal ganglia - ‘smoothing’ of movement signals eg. removes tremor

cerebellum - controls ‘error’ signal, distinction between planned/desired movement and actual movement

Question 7

Is the direct pathway inhibitory or excitatory?

Answer 7

excitatory

Question 8

Is the indirect pathway inhibitory or excitatory?

Answer 8

inhibitory

Question 9

Cerebellum functions

Answer 9

tone
coordination
balance/posture

Question 10

What area of the brain is involved in generating a motor image of an action in the absence of actual movement (eg. mentally rehearsing a basketball shot)

Answer 10

premotor cortex

Question 11

As the axons of motor neurons leave the spinal cord and course peripherally to the skeletal muscle, they must pass through which structure?

Answer 11

anterior horn