Motor Systems

Question 0

Motor system: Overview

Answer 0

Stimulation of motor cortex produces muscle contraction on contralateral side of body.

Question 1

Most ascending sensory pathways

Answer 1

(except olfactory) are relayed via the thalamus and project to cerebral cortex

Question 2

Basal ganglia

Answer 2

Basal ganglia concerned with controlled purposeful movements. They integrate info from cerebral cortex, process it and project it back to cortex through the thalamus.

Functional disturbances of basal ganglia will cause movement disorders.

Question 3

Corticospinal tract (pyramidal tract)

Answer 3

Lateral corticospinal tract

Anterior (ventral) corticospinal tract

Question 4

Extrapyramidal tracts

Answer 4

• Rubrospinal tract
• Vestibulospinal tract
• Reticulospinal tract
• Tectospinal tract
• Olivospinal tract

Question 5

Lateral corticospinal

Answer 5

Mediates voluntary control of movement of limbs and motor functions of CN IX, CN X and CN XII (decussates at pyramids)

Question 6

Ventral corticospinal

Answer 6

Uncrossed tract that eventually crosses the spinal cord to synapse with anterior horn and control of axial muscles

Question 7

Rubrospinal

Answer 7

From red nucleus to spinal cord. Role in control of flexor tone

Question 8

Vestibulospinal

Answer 8

From vestibular nuclei to spinal cord. Role in control of extensor tone and maintenance of posture and balance