Spinal reflexes & motor control

Question 1

What are the 3 nuclei for postural control & locomotion?

Answer 1

Vestibular nuclei

Red nucleus

Reticular nuclei

Question 2

Name the 5 descending pathways involved in motor control?

Answer 2

Corticospinal tract- starts in cerebral cortex- sends most of motor info

4 other parts from brain stem & medulla:

Reticulospinal tract – from reticular formation

Vestibulospinal tract – from vestibular nuclei

Rubrospinal tract – from red nucleus

Tectospinal tract – from tectum

Question 3

Role of descending pathway involved in motor control?

Answer 3

1. transmit motor info in efferent nerves from upper motor neurone of cortical structures (cerebellum & cerebrum) to lower motor neurone- allowing info to reach muscles
2. control of postural mechanisms
3. maintenance of tone of muscles