Neurobiological Pathways and Circuits involved in Motor Control (ALS/MND) Flashcards
Role of upper motor neurons in motor execution?
Executing voluntary movements
How are upper motor neurons involved in executing voluntary movements?
They transmit signals to lower motor neurons–> ensures precise muscle activation and coordination during complex motor tasks
How is sensory feedback integrated into motor action?
Upper and lower motor neurons integrate sensory feedback with motor commands
What is a neural circuit?
A network of interconnected neurons that process specific types of information to carry out particular functions when activated
Neural circuit components?
Receptor in skin–> afferent nerve–> SC–> efferent nerve–> effector organ
Main roles of neural circuits?
Information processing, adapting to new experiences, coordination of complex behaviours
Which type of organs take input in a neural circuit?
Sensory organs
Which type of neurons are responsible for output in neural circuits?
Effector organs
What is a neural pathway?
A series of connected neurons that transmit signals from one part of the nervous system to another
Two kinds of tracts in neural pathways?
Pyramidal tracts and extrapyramidal tracts
Where do pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts transmit motor commands from?
Brain
Where do pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts transmit motor commands to (directly and also ultimately)?
Spinal cord, eventually to muscles
Difference in structure between neural circuits and neural pathways?
Neural circutis involve multiple layers of neurons with feedback loops while neural pathways are more linear
Difference between neural circuits and neural pathways in terms of self regulation?
Neural circuits have feedback loops whereas neural pathways dont
What do feedback loops in neural circuits allow for?
Dynamic interactions and adjustments based on inputs