Motor Systems Mind Map

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering motor units, descending pathways, postural control, and upper motor neuron signs from the lecture notes.

Sensory feedback

Neural signals that convey information about muscle condition and responsiveness to the nervous system.

Deep tendon stretch reflex

A reflex contraction triggered by a muscle stretch, connected to resistance to passive movement.

Muscle stretch receptors

Receptors discussed in the notes in relation to stretch responses and muscle sensitivity.

Motor unit

A motor neuron and the specific muscle fibers it innervates.

Striated muscle fibers

Muscle fibers innervated by motor neurons, whose recruitment contributes to the force generated for movement.

Slow, fatigue-resistant units

Motor units associated with endurance and mitochondria.

Fast fatigue-resistant units

Motor units characterized as intermediate in terms of contraction speed and endurance.

Fast fatigable units

Motor units associated with Type 2B fibers, faster contraction, and greater force generation.

Type 2B fibers

Muscle fibers linked to fast fatigable motor units that exhibit faster contraction and generate greater force.

Corticospinal tract

A descending pathway associated with voluntary movement and fine motor control, particularly of distal muscles.

Pyramids (decussation)

The brainstem location where many corticospinal fibers cross to influence the opposite side of the body.

Upper motor neurons

Neurons that originate in the brain and influence movement via descending pathways.

Reticulospinal pathways

Brainstem pathways associated with posture and movement control, including influence over proximal muscles.

Vestibulospinal pathways

Brainstem motor pathways that contribute to posture and balance.

Medial vestibulospinal pathway

A vestibulospinal pathway associated with proximal stabilization and coordination involving the head and neck.

Lateral vestibulospinal pathway

A vestibulospinal pathway associated with postural control and extensor activity, including in the lower extremities.

Tectospinal pathway

A descending pathway coordinating head and eye movements, possessing a connection to the superior colliculus.

Superior colliculus

A brain structure connected to the tectospinal pathway for coordinating head and eye movements.

Premotor areas

Motor cortical regions linked to preparing or selecting movements.

Lateral premotor areas

Premotor cortex divisions associated with movement executed in response to external cues.

Medial premotor areas

Premotor cortex divisions associated with movement sequences and actions initiated by internal cues.

Primary motor cortex

A major motor control area identified alongside premotor and medial premotor areas.

Prefrontal lobes

Brain areas cited as sources of information relevant to planning and controlling movement.

Somatic sensory cortex

A sensory cortical area providing information relevant to planning and controlling movement.

Reactive balance

Postural control that occurs in response to an environmental disturbance.

Feedforward postural control

The adjustment of posture in anticipation of an intended movement.

Spasticity

An upper motor neuron sign associated with the disruption of descending motor pathways.

Hypertonia

An upper motor neuron sign characterized by increased tone or resistance to passive movement following pathway disruption.

Clonus

A clinical finding and upper motor neuron sign linked to disruption of descending motor pathways.

Babinski sign

An upper motor neuron sign resulting from damage or disruption to descending motor pathways.