Motor Function and Heat Related Illness

Flashcards covering the key concepts and disorders related to motor functions and heat-related illnesses as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is the motor cortex responsible for?

The motor cortex is responsible for the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.

What do upper motoneurons project from the motor cortex to?

Upper motoneurons project from the motor cortex to the brain stem or spinal cord.

What is a motor unit?

A motor unit consists of a motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.

What role does acetylcholine play at the neuromuscular junction?

Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle fiber surface, causing muscle contraction.

What are the classifications of muscles?

Muscles can be classified as flexors (which decrease the angle of a joint) and extensors (which increase the angle of a joint).

What is the function of the Golgi tendon organ?

The Golgi tendon organ responds to muscle tension and inhibits the muscle from creating excessive force during contraction.

What do muscle spindles signal?

Muscle spindles signal the length and changes in length of muscles.

What is the role of the primary motor cortex?

The primary motor cortex is responsible for the execution of movement.

What is muscular dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that produces progressive deterioration of skeletal muscles.

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis is a disorder of transmission at the neuromuscular junction affecting the communication between motoneurons and muscle cells.

What causes Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive destruction of the nigrostriatal pathway and reduction of dopamine concentrations in the striatum.

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

ALS is a progressive neurologic disorder that selectively affects motor function and typically has a mean survival period of 2 to 5 years from symptom onset.

What is the heat illness characterized by painful muscle cramps?

Heat cramps are painful skeletal muscle cramps that occur due to salt depletion from heavy sweating.

What distinguishes heat exhaustion from heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion is characterized by moist skin and an elevated heart rate, while heat stroke involves hot, dry skin and a core temperature above 40°C (104°F).