Cortical Control of movement Flashcards
what is the homunculi
the homunculi show the areas most densely packed with sensory receptors - shows how much cortical space each body part takes up
why is surgical motor mapping important
when removing a tumor the surgeon must avoid removing brain tissue that is essential for movement
name the 3 main cortical motor regions
Primary motor cortex, non-primary motor cortex, supplementary motor cortex (SMA)
what is the function of the primary motor cortex
they fire around 5 to 100ms before movement onset and can code for the basic parameters of movement.
what is the function of the non primary motor cortex
codes for complex aspects of movement such as the pre-motor complex, plans movement, spatial guidance and sensory guidance of movement
what is the function of the supplementary motor cortex (SMA)
other complex aspects of movement such as coordinating sequences of actions, biannual coordination.
what other areas are associated with movement
Primary sensory complex, posterior parietal complex, corticospinal tract
what is the function of the primary sensory complex
touch, vibration, heat, pain, and pressure. Kinesthesia - the ability to recognise joint movement and sensation of resistance.
what is the function of the posterior parietal cortex
integration of sensory, visual information to execute complex movement in the environement. command apparatus for operation of the limbs, hands, and eyes.
what is the function of the corticospinal tract?
the most important tract in humans for precise control of the limbs. increasing complexity up the brain.
spinal cord - simple reflexes
medulla - complex reflexes
basal ganglia - programmed movements
cortex - complex conscious movements