WEEK 5 - Topic 11 - Motor Area Flashcards
What is the function of the motor areas generally?
Control voluntary movement
Where is the primary motor cortex located?
Precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe
Describe the neurons present in the precentral gyrus
- Consists of large neurons called pyramidal cells
- Pyramidal cells have long axons which project to the spinal cord, forming the voluntary motor tracts called pyramidal tracts or corticospinal tracts
Which cells form the corticospinal tracts?
Pyramidal cells
Where are pyramidal cells located?
In the primary motor cortex of the precentral gyrus
What is the function of the primary motor cortex?
Allows conscious control of skeletal muscles
Where is the premotor cortex located?
Anterior to the precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex) in the frontal lobe
What is the function of the premotor cortex?
- Controls planned/learned motor tasks such as playing an instrument or typing
- Helps plan the movements and then sends impulses to the primary motor cortex
Where does the premotor cortex receive its info?
Its sensory information is received from other cortical areas
Does the premotor cortex directly influence motor activities?
Yes, by supplying about 15% of the pyramidal tract fibres.
But mostly sends impulses to the primary motor cortex to perform motor movements.
Where is the Broca’s area located?
Anterior to the inferior region of the premotor cortex but present in only one hemisphere (usually the left)
What is the function of the Broca’s area?
It is a motor speech area that directs the muscles involved in speech
What happens when the Broca’s area is damaged?
The person can think and plan to speak but would not be able to speak.
Where is the frontal eye field located?
Anterior to the superior region of the premotor cortex
What is the function of the frontal eye field?
Controls voluntary eye movement
