Cerebral Cortex and Bangal Ganglia

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS device generates a magnetic field, which generates an electric field that penetrates a little way into the brain

EMG

non-invasively measures muscle elctrical activity

Supplementary Motor Cotex

planning a sequence of rapid movements (e.g driving) inhibits incorrect movements

Posterior Parietal Cortex

position of body, relative to world (e.g locate object in space)

Prefrontal Cortex

organizes movements, considers probable outcomes of movements

Premotor Cortex

active immediately before a movement (e.g. direct arm toward a target) *includes mirror neurons

The Basal Ganglia

a group of brain structures located beneath the cortex (subcortical)

Functions of the Basal Ganglia

-spontaneous, self initiated movements

-motor learning

-enhances performance at target movement

-inhibits competing movements

Spinal Cord Damage

damaged neurons in the spinal cord DON’T regenerate following transection- thus motor movement (+ sensory input) is abolished below the damaged area

Parkinsons Disease

-gradual symptoms of difficulty walking talking, sleep, memory, etc

-caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia