Control of Movement/Motor Behavior

Question 1

What is the function of the Primary Motor Cortex?

Answer 1

Executes skilled voluntary movements

The Primary Motor Cortex is crucial for initiating and controlling voluntary movements.

Question 2

What does Somatotopic Organization refer to?

Answer 2

A topographically organized mapping of parts of the body in the brain

This organization allows specific areas of the motor cortex to correspond to specific body parts.

Question 3

Which structures assist and modify commands for movement initiated in the motor cortex?

Answer 3

Basal ganglia and cerebellum

These structures play a role in refining motor commands and ensuring smooth execution.

Question 4

What is the Central Sulcus?

Answer 4

A groove that divides the frontal and parietal lobes

It separates the motor cortex from the somatosensory cortex.

Question 5

What are the two regions adjacent to the Primary Motor Cortex?

Answer 5

Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) and Premotor Cortex

Both regions are involved in planning and executing movements.

Question 6

What is the role of the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA)?

Answer 6

Learning and performing sequences of movements

The SMA is important for planning movements that involve multiple steps.

Question 7

What does the Premotor Cortex do?

Answer 7

Learning and executing responses signaled by arbitrary stimuli

This region is crucial for movements that are triggered by specific cues.

Question 8

What happens if the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) is damaged?

Answer 8

Impaired ability to execute well-learned sequences of responses

Damage to the SMA affects the ability to perform coordinated movements.

Question 9

What does electrical stimulation of the medial surface of the frontal lobes provoke?

Answer 9

The urge to make a movement or anticipation of movement

This indicates the SMA’s role in anticipating movements.

Question 10

What is the function of the Reticular Formation?

Answer 10

Controls the activity of the gamma motor system and regulates muscle tonus

It is involved in maintaining posture and muscle tone.

Question 11

What is the role of the Cerebellum in motor control?

Answer 11

Coordination and modification of movements based on feedback

The cerebellum is essential for smooth and balanced motor activity.

Question 12

What is the primary output nucleus of the basal ganglia?

Answer 12

Globus Pallidus

It plays a crucial role in controlling voluntary movement.

Question 13

What is the function of the Ventral Anterior Nucleus?

Answer 13

Receives projections from the basal ganglia and sends projections to the motor cortex

It facilitates communication between the basal ganglia and motor cortex.

Question 14

What does the Direct Pathway of the Basal Ganglia do?

Answer 14

Has an excitatory effect on movement

This pathway facilitates movement by reducing inhibition on the motor cortex.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The __________ tract controls movements of the face, neck, tongue, and parts of the extraocular eye.

Answer 15

Corticobulbar

This tract connects the motor cortex to cranial nerves responsible for facial and neck movements.

Question 16

What is the role of the Vestibulospinal Tract?

Answer 16

Controls postural movements in response to information from the vestibular system

It is crucial for maintaining balance and posture.

Question 17

What does the Tectospinal Tract coordinate?

Answer 17

Head and trunk movements with eye movements

This tract integrates sensory information to align head and eye movements.

Question 18

What does the Lateral Group control?

Answer 18

Independent limb movement

This group includes the corticospinal, corticobulbar, and rubrospinal tracts.

Question 19

What is the function of the Dentate Nucleus?

Answer 19

Involved in the control of rapid, skilled movements

It plays a significant role in the coordination of fine motor tasks.

Question 20

True or False: The Cerebellum contains about 50% of all the brain’s neurons.

Answer 20

False

The Cerebellum actually contains about 80% of the brain’s neurons.

Question 21

What is the role of the Fastigial Nucleus?

Answer 21

Involved in the control of movement by the reticulospinal and vestibulospinal tracts

It influences motor activity through its connections to the spinal cord.

Question 22

What is the purpose of the Hyperdirect Pathway?

Answer 22

Inhibits movement

This pathway helps prevent or quickly stop movements initiated by the direct pathway.

Question 23

What are the physical deficits associated with a small cerebellum?

Answer 23

Impaired connections of cerebellum to other regions affecting:
* Motor coordination
* Physical dexterity
* Visuospatial processing
* Motor learning

A small cerebellum can lead to significant motor and cognitive issues.

Question 24

What are the three main types of ataxia?

Answer 24

Cerebellar, Sensory, Vestibular

The type of ataxia often indicates which brain regions are affected.

Question 25

How is ataxia genetically linked?

Answer 25

Can be genetically linked ## Footnote Some forms of ataxia are hereditary, passed down through families.

Question 26

What are the functions of the Basal Ganglia?

Answer 26

Responsible for: * Motor control * Motor learning * Responding to sensory stimuli and emotion ## Footnote The Basal Ganglia play a critical role in regulating voluntary motor movements.

Question 27

What are the types of nuclei in the Basal Ganglia?

Answer 27

Input Nuclei, Output Nuclei, Intrinsic Nuclei ## Footnote Each type of nucleus has distinct roles in processing motor information.

Question 28

What is the function of the Direct Pathway in the Basal Ganglia?

Answer 28

Enhance initiation of desired movements ## Footnote The Direct Pathway facilitates movement by increasing activity in the thalamus.

Question 29

What does the Indirect Pathway in the Basal Ganglia do?

Answer 29

Typically antagonizes the Direct Pathway ## Footnote The Indirect Pathway serves to inhibit movement, providing balance to motor control.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: The Basal Ganglia are located at the base of the _______.

Answer 30

[forebrain] ## Footnote The Basal Ganglia are crucial for integrating motor control and sensory input.

Question 31

What are mirror neurons?

Answer 31

Neurons located in the ventral premotor cortex and inferior parietal lobule that respond when the individual makes a particular movement or sees another individual making that movement ## Footnote They are crucial for understanding actions and intentions of others.

Question 32

Where are mirror neurons located?

Answer 32

Ventral premotor cortex and inferior parietal lobule ## Footnote Also found in the posterior parietal cortex.

Question 33

What is the function of the Mirror Neuron Circuit?

Answer 33

Helps us understand the actions of others and the intentions of others ## Footnote This circuit is vital for social cognition.

Question 34

What type of movements do mirror neurons develop sensitivity to?

Answer 34

The sight of movements that the person actually performs, not just actions a person has seen before ## Footnote This includes actions that the individual is already competent in.

Question 35

How do mirror neurons respond to auditory stimuli?

Answer 35

Activated by the sounds of the action as well ## Footnote Watching the action without sound activates the auditory cortex because the person is imagining the sound.

Question 36

What effect does watching a behavior in which one is already competent have on mirror neurons?

Answer 36

Activated most strongly ## Footnote This indicates a stronger engagement with familiar actions.

Question 37

True or False: Mirror neurons are only activated by visual stimuli.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote They can also be activated by auditory stimuli related to the actions.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: Mirror neurons are reciprocally connected with neurons in the _______.

Answer 38

posterior parietal cortex ## Footnote This connection aids in the integration of sensory information.