Motor Systems

What is the main function of the motor system?

The motor system controls body movement through muscle actions.

What mediates muscle contraction?

Muscle contraction is mediated by the sliding of actin and myosin filaments, regulated by intracellular Ca2+.

What is a central pattern generator?

Central pattern generators are neural circuits that coordinate rhythmic contraction of different muscles during locomotion.

How are motor units recruited in the motor pool?

Motor units within a motor pool are recruited sequentially from small to large.

What role does the sarcoplasmic reticulum play in muscle contraction?

The sarcoplasmic reticulum is necessary for muscle contraction as it releases intracellular calcium.

What is the basic unit of muscle fibers in relation to neuromuscular signaling?

Each muscle fiber receives one synaptic input at the neuromuscular junction.

What is the relationship between antagonistic muscle groups during locomotion?

Antagonistic muscle groups are reciprocally regulated by central pattern generators.

What are the three major brain regions involved in motor commands?

The command, pre-motor, and motor regions of the brain are all essential for body movement.

What intracellular ion is crucial for the process of muscle contraction?

Calcium ions (Ca2+) are crucial for muscle contraction.

What determines the strength of muscle contraction?

The recruitment of motor units and the frequency of action potentials determine the strength of muscle contraction.

What is the primary function of the basal ganglia regarding movement?

The basal ganglia regulate movement by facilitating and inhibiting motor commands via dopamine.

What happens to muscle fibers when a nerve sends a signal?

Muscle fibers contract in response to signals sent via the neuromuscular junction.

How does the spinal cord contribute to locomotion?

Thespinal cord coordinates rhythmic patterns of muscle activation through central pattern generators.