DB - motor pathways Flashcards
What is the function of pyramidal motor pathways?
Under conscious control.
Associated with skilled voluntary movement.
What is the function of extrapyramidal motor pathways?
Important with gait and movement
What is the function of the rubrospinal tract?
Posture and semi-skilled movement
What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?
Correction of balance
What is the function of the tectospinal tract?
Neck and head reflex response
What is the function of the reticulospinal tract?
Posture and support
What is the function of an upper motor neurone?
Completely contained within the CNS. Initiates voluntary movement. Maintains muscle tone. regulates posture.
What is the function of a lower motor neurone?
GSE to skeletal muscle
Cell bodies are in the ventral horn of the spinal cord.
What is the definition of paresis?
Deficiency in gait generation or the ability to support weight
What kind of paresis is caused by UMN deficiencies?
Spastic - complete loss of voluntary muscle function.
What kind of paresis is caused by LMN deficiencies?
Flaccid - loss of tone and loss of function.
What is the definition of paralysis/plegia?
Complete loss of voluntary muscle function
What is the definition of ataxia?
Incoordination of limbs
What are the signs of UMN disease?
Spastic paresis/paralysis
Loss of inhibition of anti-gravity extensors
Can support weight
R - increased
A - disuse: mild/generalised
T - increased
What are the signs of LMN disease?
Flaccid paresis/paralysis
Loss of ability to support weight
Atrophy
R - decreased - absent
A - neurogenic
T - decreased - absent
