LEC 22 - Voluntary motor control Flashcards
Describe the two main types of motor pathways in the somatic motor system.
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.
Define the role of alpha-motor neurons in the motor system.
Alpha-motor neurons receive input from both pyramidal and extrapyramidal pathways, as well as sensory input from muscle spindles and spinal interneurons.
How do muscle sensory systems contribute to movement coordination?
Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon bodies provide proprioceptive feedback that is essential for coordinating movements.
Explain the function of skeletal muscles in the motor system.
Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary and conscious movements.
What is the role of the cerebral motor cortex in movement?
The cerebral motor cortex controls voluntary movement through pyramidal pathways.
Describe reflex movement in muscles.
Reflex movements are involuntary actions controlled by unconscious centers in the CNS, such as the spinal cord and brainstem motor neurons.
Outline the hierarchy of motor neurons in the motor system.
The hierarchy of motor neurons includes the motor cortex (M1), brainstem, spinal cord, and then skeletal muscles.
Where are upper motor neurons (UMNs) located?
Upper motor neurons are located in the motor cortex and brainstem.
Identify the location of lower motor neurons (LMNs).
Lower motor neurons are found in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and in the cranial nerve nuclei of the brainstem.
What are the two types of descending motor pathways?
The two types of descending motor pathways are Pyramidal pathways and Extrapyramidal pathways.
Describe the function of the pyramidal tract.
The pyramidal tract controls voluntary motor functions and travels through the medullary pyramids.
Explain the function of the extrapyramidal tract.
The extrapyramidal tract originates in the brainstem and is responsible for handling reflexes and unconscious movements.
What is the role of primary sensory cortices?
Primary sensory cortices process specific sensory inputs such as touch, vision, and hearing.
How do association cortical areas function in sensory processing?
Association cortical areas integrate sensory information in the parietal and temporal lobes for broader interpretation.
Differentiate between unimodal and multimodal cortices.
Unimodal cortices process a single type of sensory input, while multimodal cortices integrate multiple types of sensory inputs.
Describe the input sources for alpha-motor neurons.
Alpha-motor neurons receive inputs from pyramidal pathways, extrapyramidal pathways, and sensory inputs from muscle spindles and spinal interneurons.
What is the significance of proprioceptive feedback in movement?
Proprioceptive feedback from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon bodies is crucial for the coordination and adjustment of movements.
How does the motor cortex influence voluntary movement?
The motor cortex influences voluntary movement by sending signals through pyramidal pathways to activate lower motor neurons.
Describe the role of association fibres in the brain.
Association fibres connect areas within hemispheres for coordinated response.
Define the types of association fibres.
There are short (arcuate) and long (fascicles) association fibres.
How do association fibres facilitate communication in the brain?
They enable two-way communication within a hemisphere.
Identify the location of the motor cortex.
The motor cortex is located in the frontal lobe, central for voluntary movement.
List the divisions of the motor cortex.
The motor cortex is divided into the primary motor (M1), premotor (PMA & SMA), and prefrontal cortex.
Explain the function of the premotor areas.
The PMA and SMA contribute to motor planning.
Where is the primary motor cortex (M1) located?
The primary motor cortex (M1) is located in the precentral gyrus, frontal lobe, near the central sulcus.
Describe the location of the supplementary motor cortex (SMC).
The supplementary motor cortex (SMC) is located on the medial surface, anterior to the precentral sulcus.
What is the structure of the prefrontal cortex (PFC)?
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is at the frontal pole and has no boundaries with the premotor/supplementary cortices.