stretch reflex
- muscle contraction in response to a quick stretch
stretch reflex aka
cutaneous reflex
- If you step on something sharp, you have a cutaneous reflex that causes a flexion withdrawal reflex
flexion withdrawal reflex
movement of a limb away from a stimulus
inverse myotatic reflex
AUTOGENIC INHIBITION
reciprocal inhibition in a stretch reflex
- polysynaptic to antagonist
stretch reflex: decussation?
no
withdrawal reflex: poly/mono
polysynaptic
flexion reflex: decussation
- ipsilateral inhibition of extensors + contraction of flexors
crossed extension portion: decussation
- contralateral inhibition of flexors + contraction of extensors for WB
medial CST: direct connection from
cerebral cortex to SC
path of medial CST
motor cortex
» medullary pyramids
» SC
(descends in ventral funiculus)
medial CST: decussation
does not cross
Which tract is the most important one controlling voluntary movements?
lateral CST
path of lateral CST
motor cortex (motor planning areas)
» axons through internal capsule in peduncles
» through pons/medulla
» 90% of neurons cross at pyramidal decussation
» travels to SC and synapses with LMN
reticulospinal tract
- facilitates bilateral LMNs that innervate postural and gross limb movement of muscles throughout the body
rubrospinal tract path
red nucleus
» decussates immediately in brainstem
» travels to cervical cord
» innervates UE (extensors of wrist/fingers)
corticobulbar tracts: purpose
- motor homunculus through brainstem
corticobulbar tracts are important for
medial CST: synapse between UMN/LMN
cervical spinal cord
medial CST: decussation
no
- ipsilateral only
medial CST: muscles innervated
medial CST: function
control neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles (posture)
lateral CST: start/finish
start: primary motor, premotor, supplementary motor areas
finish: contralateral innervation of limbs