Motor systems Flashcards
what is the classification of movement?
- simple reflex = knee jerk; mediated at the level of the spinal cord
- posture and postural change = standing/balancing
- locomotion = walking, running
- sensory information = head turn, eye fixation
- species specific action patterns
- acquired skills = paining, driving, sport
what is responsible for controling movement?
The motor system
- The brain plays a crucial role in this system, with different regions controlling various types of movement.
- These regions include the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum.
what is the pyramidal tract?
motor output from the primary motor cortex projects through the pyramidal tracts to the spinal cord, where it synapses with peripheral motor neurones.
what is the extrapyramidal tract system?
runs parallel from the cortex
includes cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia
what are the dysfunctions of the motor system?
paralysis - damage to motor neurones
apraxia - damage to supplementary motor areas
decomposition of movement - damage to cerebellum
parkinsons - degeneration of the nigrostraital pathway
huntingtons - degeneration of stratal output neurones
what is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
causes degeneration of the nigrospinal pathway and some dopamine pathways
what are the symptoms of Parkinsons?
resting tremor, muscle rigidity, stooped posture, shuffling gait, sweating, deficits in movement
what is the treatment for Parkinsons?
realisation of dopamine involvement led to use of drugs which increase brain dopamine
uses a precursor called L-DOPA, which enters the brain and is converted into dopamine - can cause serve side effects
what is the vestibular organ specialised in positioning?
head position
what is Huntington’s disease due to?
a genetically determined single dominate gene
