The Motor System and Spinal Cord. Definitions and Introduction. Flashcards
What is ataxia?
Mild incoordination.
What is hyper-reflexia?
When a reflex is larger than normal.
What is muscle paralysis?
Complete muscle weakness where the muscle is no longer functional.
What is muscle paresis?
Partial muscle weakness.
What is muscle spasticity?
Where muscles stay in a contracted state.
Are all motor responses to stimuli voluntary or involuntary?
They can be voluntary or involuntary.
What name is given to all of the motor neurons that originate from the brain?
Upper motor neurons.
Where are the cell bodies of upper motor neurons located?
In the cortex or the brain stem.
What name is given to motor neurons that are partly in the CNS or are totally outside the CNS?
Lower motor neurons.
Where are the cell bodies of lower motor neurons located?
In the ventral grey horn of the spinal cord.
What are the axons of lower motor neurons referred to as?
As spinal nerves.
What name is given to the descending tracts of the spinal cord?
The lateral and ventral funiculi.
Does synapsis occur between upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons?
Yes.
What is the function of descending motor fibres?
They excite particular muscle groups.
What happens when one muscle group is activated by descending motor fibres?
When one muscle group is excited another must be inhibited.
Are lower motor neurons excitatory or inhibitory?
They are excitatory and inhibitory.
Do upper motor neurons make decisions?
No, they only relay the message.
What are movements are upper motor neurons responsible for?
Voluntary movements (both gross and fine).
What motor neurons are responsible for maintenance of normal muscle tone and regulation of posture?
Upper motor neurons.
What are the 2 major upper motor neuron systems?
The pyramidal system.
The extra pyramidal system.
What is the first section of the motor pathway?
The extra pyramidal system of the upper motor neuron system.
Where do the neurons of the extra pyramidal system originate from?
The brainstem.
Do the axons of the neurons of the extra pyramidal system ever cross over?
They will either cross over immediately or they will not cross at all.