Control of Movement Flashcards
The Basal Ganglia
A group of nuclei which are central to control of movement
Movement disorders
A diverse array of neurological illness that results in disorderd control of movement
Efference copy
A prediction of expected movement outcome which is generated at the same time as the movement signal and which is compared with the actual movement outcome.
How is the movement control processed?
It is processed at different levels
Describe the basal ganglia as a multiple relay system
It takes a massive input from multiple cortical and brainstem regions, and outputs to selected parts of the same areas for focussed function.
What is just as important as motor functions of the basal ganglia?
Non-motor processing
What are the circuits of the multiple relay system of the basal ganglia?
- Motor circuit
- Associative circuit
- Limbic circuit
How is the basal ganglia divided anatomically?
The basal ganglia is segregated anatomically and between the circuits but also further subdivided anatomically so the circuit will project to different basal ganglia nuclei that are all connected.
What is the main output from the basal ganglia?
Inhibitory - so less movement
Increase the activity of the basal ganglia then there is less movement.
Why is the function of the basal ganglia important?
It is important to link the emotional and cognitive function as sometimes the importance of not doing something.
What are the two pathways in the basal ganglia?
- Direct go pathway
- Indirect stop pathway
What neurotransmitter affects the two pathways of the basal ganglia?
Dopamine produced by the substantia nigra
Direct Go Pathway
Inhibiting the inhibitory output nucleus hence promoting movement - decreased output activity from basal ganglia so increased movement
Indirect Stop Pathway
Excitatory onto inhibitory nucleus hence making less movement happen = increased output activity from basal ganglia so decreased movement.
What neurons input into the basal ganglia?
The striatum - medium spiny neurons
Substantia nigra
Part of the brain producing dopamine