cortical control of movement

Question 1

function of the premotor cortex:

Answer 1

controls individual motor neurones during a movement

Question 2

Basal ganglia

Answer 2

plans the details of a specific movement

Question 3

cerebellum

Answer 3

coordinates timing and force of movement, continuosly updates itself with peripheral info during movement.

Question 4

primary motor cortex

Answer 4

execution of voluntary and skilled movements –>selects appropriate motor command and relays to basal ganglia –> activates a and y motor neuones via corticosponal tract .

Question 5

spinal cord and brainstem

Answer 5

decides a movement should be made, important for refelx function

Question 6

sequence of events to describe the cortical control of movement?

Answer 6

1. sensory input
2. The premotor cortex plans voluntary movement
3. The primary cortex sends crude commands to basal ganglia
4. basal ganglia plans the specific detail of the movement, refines it
5. relays it back to the cortex motor
6. activates the a and y motor neurones via the corticospinal tract
7. cerebellum continuously updates with peripheral information during movement
8. spinal cord and brainstem decide if movement should be made… reflex

Question 7

what do alpha and gamma motor neurones achieve?

Answer 7

gamma: activation adjusts the sensitivity of muscle spindles, allowing for precise control over muscle length —> fine motor control and coordination

alpha: activation leads to the contraction of skeletal muscles, resulting in movement

Question 8

what does the motor homunculus represent?

Answer 8

illustrates how much of the motor cortex is dedicated to controlling different parts of the body.
the hands and face occupy a large portion, reflecting their intricate and precise movements.

Question 9

cause of Parkinson’s disease? symptoms ?

Answer 9

loss in nigrostriatal fibres
a resting tremor, rigid paralysis, and difficulty in initiating movements

Question 10

how is dopamine associated with schizophrenia?

Answer 10

Over-activity of dopaminergic neurons/
excess of dopamine activity