Motor Neuron Flashcards
1
Q
What is motor neuron disease?
A
A degenerative neurological disease.
2
Q
Which components of the CNS are affected in motor neuron disease?
A
Neurons in the motor cortex, cranial nerve nuclei and anterior hor cells/corticospinal tracts within the spinal cord.
3
Q
In which pathways from the motor cortex do most motor impulses descend?
A
Lateral and anterior corticospinal tracts and the corticonuclear (corticobulbar) tracts.
4
Q
What is a motor unit?
A
A single lower (somatic) motor neuron and all the muscle fibres it stimulates.
5
Q
What do fasciculations indicate?
A
That lower motor neurons have been affected. They can only be seen if the muscle is relaxed.
