Sensorimotor System Flashcards
Atonomic Division Ascending Pathway Descending Pathway Direct Pathway Indirect Pathway (15 cards)
Describe the autonomic division of the nervous system.
The autonomic division controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, smooth muscle activity, gut function, and glandular secretion. It includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Explain the role of visceral sensation in the autonomic division.
Visceral sensation involves the sensory information received from internal organs, which is processed by the autonomic nervous system to regulate bodily functions.
Define the somatic division of the nervous system.
The somatic division is responsible for voluntary control of body movements through skeletal muscles and transmits sensory information from the skin, muscles, and joints to the brain.
How do ascending sensory pathways function in the nervous system?
Ascending sensory pathways transmit sensory information from the body to the brain, utilizing receptors such as exteroreceptors and interoreceptors.
Describe the spinocerebellar pathways.
Spinocerebellar pathways are ascending pathways that convey proprioceptive information from the body to the cerebellum, helping to coordinate movement.
Explain the dorsal column–medial lemniscal pathways.
These pathways are responsible for transmitting fine touch, vibration, and proprioceptive information from the body to the brain.
What is the function of the spinothalamic pathway?
The spinothalamic pathway transmits pain and temperature sensations from the body to the brain.
How do descending motor pathways operate?
Descending motor pathways deliver efferent impulses from the brain to the spinal cord, controlling voluntary and involuntary movements.
Define the two groups of descending motor pathways.
The two groups are direct pathways, known as pyramidal tracts, and indirect pathways, which include all other motor pathways.
Explain the role of upper motor neurons in motor pathways.
Upper motor neurons are pyramidal cells located in the primary motor cortex that initiate voluntary movements by sending signals to lower motor neurons.
Describe the function of lower motor neurons.
Lower motor neurons are located in the ventral horn of the spinal cord and innervate skeletal muscles to execute movements.
How do direct (pyramidal) pathways function in motor control?
Direct pathways involve impulses from pyramidal neurons in the precentral gyri that descend through the pyramidal tracts to synapse with lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.
What is the significance of indirect pathways in motor control?
Indirect pathways, also known as multineuronal pathways, are complex and regulate balance, posture, and coarse limb movements, involving multiple synapses.
Explain how indirect pathways contribute to movement control.
Indirect pathways help regulate axial muscles for balance and posture, as well as control head, neck, and eye movements that track visual stimuli.
