Movement Flashcards
What must the brain do to catch a ball?
The brain must perform planning, coordination, and execution.
What is the motor hierarchy?
A loose chain of command in the brain from the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia to the cerebellum and spinal cord.
What are motor neurons?
Specialized nerve cells in the spinal cord that activate contractile muscle fibers.
What is the role of the neuromuscular junction?
It is where motor neurons release neurotransmitters to trigger muscle contractions.
What neurotransmitter is released at the motor endplate?
Acetylcholine.
What is electro-myographic activity (EMGs)?
Recordings of the electrical activity associated with muscles.
What is a withdrawal reflex?
A reflex that protects from sharp or hot objects.
What is the knee-jerk reflex an example of?
A stretch reflex.
What is the final common path to the muscles?
Motor neurons.
What does the motor cortex do?
It calculates movements and ensures they are carried out smoothly and skillfully.
What is the function of mirror neurons?
They respond both when observing and performing hand movements.
What is parietal neglect?
A condition where patients fail to notice objects or even ignore parts of their own body.
Where are the basal ganglia located?
Beneath the cortex in the cerebral hemispheres.
What is Parkinson’s disease characterized by?
Tremor and difficulty in initiating movements.
What neurotransmitter is associated with the basal ganglia?
Dopamine.
What is the cerebellum crucial for?
Skilful smooth movements and motor learning.
What happens when the cerebellum is damaged?
It leads to poorly coordinated movements, loss of balance, and slurred speech.
What is long-term depression (LTD)?
A cellular learning mechanism that reduces the strength of some synaptic connections.
What does the cerebellum build using synaptic plasticity?
A model of how the motor systems work.
What is the role of dopamine in learning and movement?
It serves as both an incentive to act and a reward signal for acting appropriately.
True or False: The release of dopamine is highest when the reward is expected.
False.
Fill in the blank: The basal ganglia act as a complex ______ that selects information.
[filter].
