Introduction To Neuro

Question 1

Define motor control

Answer 1

The ability of the central nervous system (CNS) to direct or regulate the musculoskeletal system in purposeful activity
- complex neurological systems collaborate to make motor control possible

Question 2

What are upper motor neurons?

Answer 2

The motor system that is confined to the CNS and is responsible for the initiation of voluntary movement, the maintenance of muscle tone for support of body against gravity and the regulation of posture to provide a stable background upon which to initiate voluntary action

Question 3

What is a lower motor neuron?

Answer 3

Is the efferent neuron of the PNS that connects the CNS with the muscle to be innervated

Question 4

What are the components necessary for motor control?

Answer 4

• normal muscle tone
• postural mechanisms
• coordination
• normal postural tone
• selective movement

Question 5

What affects muscle tone

Answer 5

• dependent on integrity of peripheral and CNS mechanisms and the properties of muscle

Question 6

What does normal muscle tone rely on

Answer 6

• normal function of the cerebellum
• motor cortex
• basal ganglia
• midbrain
• vestibular system
• spinal cord
• neuromuscular system
• normal functioning stretch reflex

Question 7

Characteristics of normal muscle tone

Answer 7

1. Effective coactivation (stabilization) at axial and proximal joints
2. Ability to move against gravity and resistance
3. Ability to maintain the position of the limb if it is placed passively by the examiner and then released
4. Balanced tone between agonists and antagonistic muscles
5. Ease of ability to shift from stability to mobility and reverse as needed
6. Ability to use muscles in groups or selectively with normal timing and coordination
7. Resilience or slight resistance in response to passive movement

Question 8

What are normal postural mechanisms composed of?

Answer 8

• automatic movements that provide an appropriate level of stability and mobility

Question 9

What do normal postural mechanisms allow for?

Answer 9

• Trunk control and mobility
• Head control
• Midline orientation of self
• weight bearing
• weight shifting in all directions
• dynamic balance
• controlled voluntary limb movement

Question 10

What are the components of normal postural mechanisms

Answer 10

• normal postural tone and control
• integration of primitive reflexes and mass movement patterns
• righting reactions
• equilibrium
• protective reaction
• selective movement

Question 11

What is postural tone?

Answer 11

• ability to control ‘the body’s position in space for the dual purpose if stability and orientation
• a continuous state of mild contraction, or a state of preparedness in the muscle

Question 12

What is postural tone?

Answer 12

• ability to control ‘the body’s position in space for the dual purpose if stability and orientation
• a continuous state of mild contraction, or a state of preparedness in the musclewh

Question 13

What is normal postural tone characterized by?

Answer 13

• effective coactivation at axial and proximal joints
• ability to move against gravity and resistance
• ability to maintain a limb in a position
• balanced tone between agonists and antagonistic muscles
• ease of ability to shift from stability to mobility and reverse as needed
• allows automatic postural adjustment to movement

Question 14

What is selective movement

Answer 14

• ability to isolate activation of muscles in a selected pattern in response to demands of a voluntary movement or posture

Question 15

What is coordination?

Answer 15

• ability to produce accurate, controlled movements

Question 16

What are the characteristics of coordination?

Answer 16

• smoothness
• rhythm
• appropriate speed
• refinement to the minimum number of miscle groups needed
• appropriate muscle tension
• postural tone
• Equilibrium