Pratique - Ascending & descending pathways + postural control Flashcards
Define postural control
Postural control is a complex sensory-motor behavior involving coordinated, sequenced organization of stability and mobility of the multi-link kinetic chain to maintain, achieve, or restore balance for efficient motor task performance.
What are the key components of postural control?
- Postural Orientation: Positioning of body segments relative to each other and the environment
- Balance/Equilibrium: Active resistance to external forces (primarily gravity)
What is the difference between exteroception and proprioception?
Exteroception is the sense of interaction with the external world (mainly touch) on the body, while proprioception is the sense of oneself involving receptors in skeletal muscle, joint capsules, and skin for body awareness.
What are graviceptors and where are they located?
Graviceptors are specific receptors located in internal organs and large vessels that detect fluid presence and help establish perception of gravity line.
Increase of intra-abdominal pressure stimulates graviceptors and influence changes in Center of Mass (COM).
Name the 4 main cutaneous receptors and their functions.
- Pacini corpuscles: Superficial friction
- Ruffini endings: Deep touch
- Merkel cells: Light touch and superficial pressure
- Meissner corpuscles: for vibration and deep stretching
What is body schema and why is it important?
Body schema is a constantly updated postural model providing spatial representation of body and limbs. It’s important for action control and movement planning.
What are the main components of the dorsal column system?
- Fasciculus Gracilis (below T7)
- Fasciculus Cuneatus (above T7)
- Medial Lemniscus
What are the descending pathways (categories and functions)
- Dorsolateral systems ( Rubrospinal & Cortico spinal) -> Important for sensory motor function
- Ventromedial systems (RCSP&M, VS lateral & medial, Tectospinal, medial CS) -> Postural control
