Motor behaviour Flashcards
Definition of motor behaviour
actions performed by animals via muscle contracts and body movements
Types of initiation for motor behaviour
- Internally initiated : voluntary actions triggered by the nervous system
- stimulus elicited behaviour : involuntary reactions to sensory stimulation
definition of stimulus elicited behaviour
Involuntary behaviour occurring as an immediate response to sensory stimulation
Key points for stimulus elicited behaviour
- the sensory input triggering the response is called the eliciting stimulus
- excludes voluntary decisions influenced by the stimulus
reflexes are the most common form of stimulus elicited behaviour
Definitions of reflexes
Involuntary, stimulus elicited behaviours mediated by the nervous system
example : the ANS controlling smooth muscles
What are the different types of stimlus
- proximal stimulus
- distal stimulus
proximal stimulus
Physical energy or force that activates sensory receptors
distal stimulus
the perceived object or event causing the stimulation
Role of stimulus in reflex initiation
- Driving mode : response magnitude depends on stimulus intensity
- Releasing mode : response is stored and released when triggered
Characteristics of stimulus - driven responses
duration : response continues if the stimulus persists
- amplitude : stronger stimulus = more vigorous response
- variation : response strength varies with stimulus intensity
Characteristics of stimulus - released responses
- independent of stimulus strength, responsive size remains consistent
Significance of driving vs releasing modes
Driving mode: useful for proportional responses (e.g. pupillary constriction based on light intensity )
Releasing mode : useful when response doesn’t depend on stimulus.
