The Motor Cortex

Question 1

Signals from the motor cortex decussate (cross the midline) to activate skeletal muscles on the opposite side of the body via _______________ motor pathways.

Answer 1

DESCENDING

Question 2

Amount of brain matter = control primary motor cortex has over that body part. What is this mechanism called?

Answer 2

MOTOR HOMUNCULUS

Question 3

Name the primary center responsible for releasing “packages” of motor commands?

Answer 3

THE MOTOR CORTEX

Question 4

What type of control is the motor cortex involved in?

Answer 4

VOLUNTARY
+
FINE MOTOR CONTROL
arm, hand, foot, speech, bilateral activities, learning

Question 5

The motor cortex (along with the cerebellum) is responsible for a baseline level of what?

Answer 5

MUSCLE TONE