Extrapyramidal systems

Question 1

Lower motor control

Answer 1

Spinal cord is lower motor control.

Properties:
- take care of all reflexes (stretch, golgi, withdrawal etc)
- They do all the work, all they need is a central command but all output goes through here
- Important for some checks and balances

On of the explanations that headless Mike (chicken) could live for 2 years.

Question 2

Extrapyramidal systems

Answer 2

Systems that project to the spinal cord. Various structures project (mainly midbrain/madulla) to the AMNs, and controle/make movements.

4 types, lie ventromedial. in general, function is;
- Proximal, course movements
- Posture
- Orienting
- Balance
- Tonus

Question 3

Rubro-Spinal tract

Answer 3

From right red nucleus. Important for;
- Control muscle tone and distal limb muscles
- precise movement control

Question 4

Tectospinal tract

Answer 4

From superior/inferior colliculi, important for:
- Receive visual (superior) and auditory (inferior) info
- Reflex-like Orienting response; head/neck/upper limbs. Move towards stimuli

Question 5

Vestibulospinal tract

Answer 5

From vestibulococlear nerve (inner ear), important for:
- Monitor position, move head to maintain posture/balance

Question 6

Reticulospinal tract

Answer 6

From reticular formation, important for:
- Controls many reflexes (excitability)
- State of arousal (sleep/wake)