Organization and Control of Neural Function Flashcards
What is the motor control system? Briefly explain.
It may be defined as an area of natural science exploring how the central nervous system (CNS) produces purposeful, coordinated movements in its interaction with the rest of the body and with the environment.
What are the components of motor pathways?
The cerebral cortex is the highest level of skilled and intentional motor and speech functions.
Different brain areas control specific anatomic sites.
Descending nerve tracts carry muscle and motor messages from the cerebral cortex to cranial and peripheral nerves.
What is Neuromuscular Junction?
Neuromuscular Junction is a connector between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle fiber.
How does Neuromuscular Junction work?
Motor neurons release acetylcholine at the site of the neuromuscular junction.
This acetylcholine crosses the synaptic space to make contact with acetylcholine receptors.
The receptors are found in the end plate of muscle fiber.
With the basal ganglia, the descending nerve tract transmits…
Impulses from the brain cortex to cranial and peripheral nerves to produce motor and muscle activity.
Normal Basal Ganglia activity is essential for _______ movement?
Voluntary
Normal Basal Ganglia lead to what?
Involuntary movements
Altered muscle tone
Posture abnormalities
What is Parkinson’s disease?
A disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.
What are some explanations to Parkinson’s disease?
Unknown cause
Low dopamine level in basal ganglia
Excessive action of acetylcholine
Disease is progressive
What is Parkinsonism?
It has the same clinical manifestations as Parkinson’s disease and is due to trauma, infection, or toxicity in the brain.
What are some examples of Parkinsonism?
Some examples include:
-Drug-induced Parkinsonism
-Vascular Parkinsonism
What are some clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s Disease?
Classic Triad (unilateral –> bilateral):
-Akinesia
-Rigidity - cogwheel movement
-Resting tremors
Associated manifestations:
-Speech impediments
-30-50% develop dementia
-Propulsive gait
-Drooling
-Lack of facial expressions
How can Guillain Barre Syndrome be described?
Acute inflammation of peripheral and cranial nerves.
Unknown etiology but possibly viral or autoimmune origin.
Most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis:
-History of viral infection especially mononucleosis.
-History of recent influenza vaccine.
What are some clinical manifestations of Guillain Barre Syndrome?
Back and leg pain progressing to weakness.
Decreased DTR
Decreased velocity of nerve conduction.
Paralysis from most distal body area to body center
Chest muscle paralysis
Note: With advanced care, recovery is likely! ***
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
An autoimmune attack on myelin sheath in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
