Define central pattern generators in the spinal cord; consider how they play a role in important movements like swallowing.
Generate rhythmic patterns of motor output, series of reflexes; can be interrupted when talking and eating since the flap has to cover windpipe for food to go down but flap opens up when talking
State the role of ACh in muscle movement and describe how Curare blocks movement.
ACh causes somatic skeletal muscles to contract; Curare is a high affinity ACh antagonist
How are primary motor cortex, posterior parietal cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, prefrontal cortex, and premotor cortex involved in movement?
Primary motor ctx: sends impulses to muscles
Posterior parietal: plans movements & keeps track of body relative to world
Primary somatosensory: integrates touch with/movement
Prefrontal: responds to sensory input & calculates outcomes
Premotor: active during preparation; sights targets & plans direction for reach
Be able to discuss the motor homunculus and match the other cortical areas with basic descriptions.)
Motor homunculus = map, study worksheet w/locations
Mirror Neurons: define, state the importance, their morphology; who first discovered them.
Constatin von Economo - thought to be underdeveloped neurons; fewer branches than a typical neuron; helps us to mirror another’s actions & are active during both preparation of a movement & while watching someone else perform a movement
Regarding social exchange, where are the mirror neurons located? What role do they play in reading nonverbal expressions?
Located in motor cortex and in brain areas that process sensation & social emotions; understanding, identifying, imitating other people, emotional contagion (I smile, you smile)
How is motor neuron disease (aka, ALS) related to the corticospinal tracts?
Corticospinal tracts are paths from the cortex to the spinal cord; ALS causes progressive degeneration of both upper motor neurons in the motor cortex and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, disrupting the entire motor pathway
Cerebellum: briefly describe its function and behavioral changes with damage.
Motor behaviors: balance & coordination, rapid movement requiring aim & timing, external stimuli response
Non-motor behaviors: critical for certain aspects of attention such as the ability to shift attention & attend to visual stimuli
Sensitive to alcohol; unable to walk (woman born w/o was able to walk until became ill); affects emotion, cognition, and personality
