Motor Cortex and Movement

Question 1

What are the two types of motor neurons

Answer 1

Lower or alpha motor neurons found in spinal cord and brain stem and upper motor neurons found in the cerebral cortex.

Question 2

What is the function of descending pathways of upper motor neuron?

Answer 2

Initiating, planning, coordinating voluntary movements.

Question 3

What is the role of basal ganglia in motor movement?

Answer 3

Prevention of undesired movements along with preparation of motor circuits to initiate movements.

Question 4

How does brainstem influence movements?

Answer 4

Rhythmic and stereotypical movements and manage postural control.

Question 5

Name four brodmann’s areas associated with movement.

Answer 5

B. Area 4 and 6 - planning and guiding voluntary movements.
Area 8 - Controlling saccadic eye movements.
Area 24 - Facial expressions (smiling or frowning).
Area 44 and 45 - Broca’s area.

Question 6

What are the two main motor neuron pools?

Answer 6

Cervical enlargement (for arm movement) and Lumbar enlargement for (leg movement).