Neuro 4: Motor Systems, Basal Nuclei, Cerebellum, and Autonomics Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to motor systems, the basal nuclei, the cerebellum, and the autonomic nervous system.

Motor cortex

The area of the brain responsible for the initiation of movement.

Upper motor neuron

A neuron in the motor cortex that initiates movement.

Lower motor neuron

A neuron in the spinal cord that connects to skeletal muscles.

Direct motor pathway

A pathway consisting of the motor cortex, subcortical white matter, internal capsule, crus cerebri, basal pons, and corticospinal tracts.

Decussation

The crossing of motor fibers at the medullary pyramids.

Corticobulbar tract

A bundle of fibers that control the muscles of the face.

Indirect motor pathway

Pathways that refine or assist motor output, often controlled by the cerebellum and basal nuclei.

Rubrospinal tract

An indirect motor pathway that affects limb flexors.

Basal nuclei

Interconnected subcortical nuclei that link motor function to action.

Striatum

The part of the basal nuclei that includes the caudate nucleus and putamen.

Substantia nigra

A part of the basal nuclei located in the brain stem.

Cerebellum function

Coordination of voluntary movement, balance & posture, motor learning, timing & force modulation.

Ipsilateral influence

The cerebellum influences the same side of the body.

Peduncles

Three structures connecting the cerebellum to the brain stem.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal state within a system.

Autonomic nervous system

A division of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and digest functions.

Preganglionic neurons

Neurons that originate in the central nervous system and synapse with ganglionic neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons to communicate with target organs.

Ventral horn

The part of the spinal cord that contains motor neurons.

Dorsal horn

The part of the spinal cord that contains sensory neurons.