Task 1 Flashcards
In general, muscles are either controlled by the … or the … .
Spinal Cord ; Brain
What is another name for the somatic motor system?
Skeletal Muscles
Which cortical area is associated with the Primary Motor Cortex?
Area 4
What can we find in cortical area 6?
Supplementary and Premotor areas
How is the representation of motor neurons in M1 mapped?
It is grouped according to direction and force of a movement
What kind of coding takes place in M1?
population coding
Which cortical area is especially important for planning of complex movements of distal muscles?
Area 6
What do we call the phase prior to a movement, during which neurons in the premotor area are already active?
Set-Phase
When it comes to more cognitively demanding tasks, there is one part of the premotor area that is especially responsive: …
Dorsal Premotor Area
The ventral premotor area has a significant impact on hand movements, however this impact is indirect. Explain why?
It is mediated through M1. The premotor area has a moderating effect on M1, which has more corticospinal output neurons.
What is the basic premise of Jackson’s Sensorimotor Machine Concept?
That all functions of the brain can be explained in terms of processing sensory input and ultimately generating motor output.
There are three hierarchy levels of control when it comes to motor functioning. How are they called and what main structures are associated with each?
High: Strategy -> (Fore)Brain
Medium: Tactics -> Motor Cortex & Cerebellum
Low: Execution -> Spinal Cord & Brainstem
Name the two dominant lateral pathways.
Corticospinal Tract (Pyramidal Tract) Rubrospinal Tract
From which brain areas does the corticospinal tract receive input?
- Mostly Motor Cortex
- Somatosensory Areas
Where does the Corticospinal Tract decussate?
At the junction of the Medulla and Spinal Cord
The fibers of the corticospinal tract converge in the Medulla. How is this exact location called?
Medullar Pyramid
What is assumed to be the historical background for the emergence of the Pyramidal Tract?
Apes becoming more adapt in using their hands in an articulate manner.
Why is the Rubrospinal Tract called like this?
Because it originates in the red nucleus in the midbrain
Where does the rubrospinal tract decussate?
In the Pons
What is the main functionality of the rubrospinal tract?
- Hand Movements
- Much of its functionality has been taken over by the pyramidal tract.
Next to the lateral pathways in the spinal cord, there are also the…
Ventromedial Pathways
The main job of the ventromedial pathways is:
Control of posture and locomotion
Which tracts are involved in head stabilization?
- Vestibular Tract
- Tectospinal Tract
Which tract is important for initiating movements, by freeing up antigravity muscles?
Medullary Reticulospinal Tract
