LEC 22 - Voluntary motor control Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the two main types of motor pathways in the somatic motor system.

A

The two main types of motor pathways are Pyramidal pathways, which originate from the cerebral cortex motor neurons, and Extrapyramidal pathways, which originate from brainstem motor nuclei.

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2
Q

Define the role of alpha-motor neurons in the motor system.

A

Alpha-motor neurons receive input from both pyramidal and extrapyramidal pathways, as well as sensory input from muscle spindles and spinal interneurons.

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3
Q

How do muscle sensory systems contribute to movement coordination?

A

Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon bodies provide proprioceptive feedback that is essential for coordinating movements.

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4
Q

Explain the function of skeletal muscles in the motor system.

A

Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary and conscious movements.

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5
Q

What is the role of the cerebral motor cortex in movement?

A

The cerebral motor cortex controls voluntary movement through pyramidal pathways.

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6
Q

Describe reflex movement in muscles.

A

Reflex movements are involuntary actions controlled by unconscious centers in the CNS, such as the spinal cord and brainstem motor neurons.

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7
Q

Outline the hierarchy of motor neurons in the motor system.

A

The hierarchy of motor neurons includes the motor cortex (M1), brainstem, spinal cord, and then skeletal muscles.

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8
Q

Where are upper motor neurons (UMNs) located?

A

Upper motor neurons are located in the motor cortex and brainstem.

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9
Q

Identify the location of lower motor neurons (LMNs).

A

Lower motor neurons are found in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and in the cranial nerve nuclei of the brainstem.

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10
Q

What are the two types of descending motor pathways?

A

The two types of descending motor pathways are Pyramidal pathways and Extrapyramidal pathways.

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11
Q

Describe the function of the pyramidal tract.

A

The pyramidal tract controls voluntary motor functions and travels through the medullary pyramids.

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12
Q

Explain the function of the extrapyramidal tract.

A

The extrapyramidal tract originates in the brainstem and is responsible for handling reflexes and unconscious movements.

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13
Q

What is the role of primary sensory cortices?

A

Primary sensory cortices process specific sensory inputs such as touch, vision, and hearing.

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14
Q

How do association cortical areas function in sensory processing?

A

Association cortical areas integrate sensory information in the parietal and temporal lobes for broader interpretation.

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15
Q

Differentiate between unimodal and multimodal cortices.

A

Unimodal cortices process a single type of sensory input, while multimodal cortices integrate multiple types of sensory inputs.

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16
Q

Describe the input sources for alpha-motor neurons.

A

Alpha-motor neurons receive inputs from pyramidal pathways, extrapyramidal pathways, and sensory inputs from muscle spindles and spinal interneurons.

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17
Q

What is the significance of proprioceptive feedback in movement?

A

Proprioceptive feedback from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon bodies is crucial for the coordination and adjustment of movements.

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18
Q

How does the motor cortex influence voluntary movement?

A

The motor cortex influences voluntary movement by sending signals through pyramidal pathways to activate lower motor neurons.

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19
Q

Describe the role of association fibres in the brain.

A

Association fibres connect areas within hemispheres for coordinated response.

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20
Q

Define the types of association fibres.

A

There are short (arcuate) and long (fascicles) association fibres.

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21
Q

How do association fibres facilitate communication in the brain?

A

They enable two-way communication within a hemisphere.

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22
Q

Identify the location of the motor cortex.

A

The motor cortex is located in the frontal lobe, central for voluntary movement.

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23
Q

List the divisions of the motor cortex.

A

The motor cortex is divided into the primary motor (M1), premotor (PMA & SMA), and prefrontal cortex.

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24
Q

Explain the function of the premotor areas.

A

The PMA and SMA contribute to motor planning.

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25
Q

Where is the primary motor cortex (M1) located?

A

The primary motor cortex (M1) is located in the precentral gyrus, frontal lobe, near the central sulcus.

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26
Q

Describe the location of the supplementary motor cortex (SMC).

A

The supplementary motor cortex (SMC) is located on the medial surface, anterior to the precentral sulcus.

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27
Q

What is the structure of the prefrontal cortex (PFC)?

A

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is at the frontal pole and has no boundaries with the premotor/supplementary cortices.

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28
Q

How does the prefrontal cortex (PFC) function?

A

The lateral PFC is involved in planning/problem-solving, the orbital PFC in emotions, and the medial PFC in attention/social conduct.

29
Q

What effects can damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have?

A

Damage can alter personality without causing physical disabilities.

30
Q

Explain the function of the supplementary motor cortex (SMC).

A

The SMC manages movement sequences, coordination, and internal cues.

31
Q

Describe the connectivity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC).

A

The PFC links with sensory, cortical, and subcortical regions.

32
Q

Identify the anatomy of the premotor cortex (PMC).

A

The PMC is located rostral to the precentral sulcus and inferior to the SMC.

33
Q

What is the function of the premotor cortex (PMC)?

A

The PMC integrates sensory information to motor plans and anticipates voluntary movement.

34
Q

How do lesions in the PMC and SMC affect movement?

A

Lesions in these areas can cause apraxia, which is the inability to perform voluntary movements.

35
Q

Define apraxia.

A

Apraxia is the inability to imitate movements despite normal muscle function.

36
Q

What role does the dorsal parietal cortex play in movement?

A

The dorsal parietal cortex converts sensory input into motor commands.

37
Q

Describe the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) in social behavior.

A

The medial PFC sustains attention and monitors social conduct.

38
Q

How do the PFC and basal ganglia work together?

A

They collaborate to initiate movement based on internal cues.

39
Q

Define the primary function of the primary motor cortex (M1).

A

The primary motor cortex executes movement and contains Betz cells, which are part of the pyramidal pathways.

40
Q

Explain the concept of somatotopic organization in M1.

A

M1 has a motor homunculus where the size of the cortical area reflects the degree of motor control for different body parts.

41
Q

What are the effects of damage to the primary motor cortex?

A

Damage to M1 causes paresis, which is muscle weakness.

42
Q

Identify the components of the pyramidal tract.

A

The pyramidal tract consists of the corticonuclear (bulbar) and corticospinal tracts.

43
Q

Describe the function of the corticonuclear tract.

A

The corticonuclear tract modulates cranial nerve motor neurons.

44
Q

What is the function of the corticospinal tract?

A

The corticospinal tract influences spinal cord ventral horn motor neurons.

45
Q

Differentiate the roles of corticobulbar and corticospinal tracts.

A

Corticobulbar tracts control facial and neck motor functions, while corticospinal tracts control limb and trunk motor functions.

46
Q

How does pyramidal tract damage lead to dysarthria?

A

Pyramidal tract damage can cause spastic dysarthria, characterized by fine motor issues and high muscle tone.

47
Q

Contrast unilateral and bilateral cortico-bulbar lesions.

A

Unilateral lesions affect cranial nerves VII and XII with mild impact, while bilateral lesions result in severe dysarthria.

48
Q

List the characteristics of spastic dysarthria.

A

Spastic dysarthria features a harsh, strained voice, low pitch, hypernasality, and articulation issues.

49
Q

What are the main longitudinal structures of the brainstem?

A

The main longitudinal structures of the brainstem are the tectum, tegmentum, and base.

50
Q

Describe the features of the midbrain.

A

The midbrain is involved in vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake cycles, arousal, and temperature regulation.

51
Q

What role does the pons play in the brain?

A

The pons connects to the cerebellum and is involved in motor pathways.

52
Q

Identify the features of the medulla.

A

The medulla contains motor and sensory pathways and is responsible for swallowing, cardiovascular, and respiratory control.

53
Q

Explain the function of the reticulospinal tract.

A

The reticulospinal tract coordinates gross movements and posture adjustments.

54
Q

Describe the two main tracts of the Reticular System.

A

The Reticular System consists of Ascending (arousal) tracts that manage alertness and Descending (motor control) tracts that regulate motor functions.

55
Q

How does the Reticular System contribute to motor control?

A

It regulates muscle tone, respiration, and cardiovascular functions.

56
Q

Define the stages of swallowing.

A

Swallowing consists of Voluntary stages, such as bolus formation, and Involuntary stages, which involve reflexive swallowing.

57
Q

What role does the Trigeminal Nerve play in swallowing?

A

The Trigeminal Nerve controls the muscles involved in mastication, such as the temporalis and masseter.

58
Q

Explain the function of the Facial Nerve in swallowing.

A

The Facial Nerve controls the muscles responsible for lip closure, particularly the orbicularis oris.

59
Q

How does the Hypoglossal Nerve assist in swallowing?

A

The Hypoglossal Nerve controls the tongue muscles necessary for voluntary swallowing.

60
Q

Describe the Reticular System’s role in consciousness.

A

The Reticular System manages arousal through the tegmentum nuclei.

61
Q

What is the function of the Reticulospinal Tracts in locomotion?

A

They facilitate coordinated limb movements necessary for walking.

62
Q

How does the Medulla contribute to vital functions?

A

The Medulla regulates essential functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

63
Q

Define the role of Corticopontine Pathways in motor control.

A

Corticopontine Pathways control motor actions through connections to the pontine nuclei.

64
Q

What is the function of the Trigeminal Nerve in reflex swallowing?

A

It provides motor control for hyolaryngeal elevators, including the mylohyoid and digastric muscles.

65
Q

Explain the impairments associated with the Hypoglossal Nerve.

A

Impairments can lead to dysarthria, issues with bolus control, and premature bolus spill.

66
Q

How does the Facial Nerve contribute to involuntary swallowing?

A

It retracts the hyoid bone to facilitate glossopalatal closure.

67
Q

What are the effects of Facial Nerve impairment on swallowing?

A

Impairment can result in poor bolus formation and an increased risk of anterior spill.

68
Q

Describe the role of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve in swallowing.

A

The Glossopharyngeal Nerve elevates the soft palate and assists in bolus transport.

69
Q

What issues arise from Glossopharyngeal Nerve impairment?

A

Impairment can lead to difficulties in bolus transport and issues with the esophageal sphincter.