Motor Control

Question 1

What is the function of the corticospinal pathway?

Answer 1

Main voluntary movement pathway

Question 2

What is the function of the reticulospinal pathway?

Answer 2

Regulates rate of stepping in locomotion

Question 3

What is the function of the vestibulospinal pathway?

Answer 3

Controls balance and posture - in response to vestibular input

Question 4

What is the function of the rubrospinal pathway?

Answer 4

Function unknown

Question 5

What is the effect of a stroke affecting the lateral striate artery?

Answer 5

Supplies internal capsule - capsular stroke - paralysis on one side - hemiplegia

Question 6

What is the function of the premotor area?

Answer 6

Plans movements based on external visual cues

Short-term motor plans

Question 7

What is the function of the supplementary motor area (SMA)?

Answer 7

Plans movements based on internally-generated strategies - e.g. learnt movement sequences
Mental rehearsal of movement

Question 8

What is the function of the flocculo-nodular lobe?

Answer 8

Controls balance

Controls eye movements

Question 9

What is the function of the vermis and pars intermedia?

Answer 9

Adjusts ongoing movements - compensates for disturbances

Question 10

What is the function of the cerebellar hemispheres?

Answer 10

Coordinate planning of limb movements

Question 11

What are effects of cerebellar lesions?

Answer 11

Ataxia - loss of coordination
Intention tremor - during voluntary movement
Dysmetria - deficiencies in movement distance
Asynergia - loss of coordination between muscle synergies
Dysdiadochokinesia - inability to make rapidly-alternating movements