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Somatic motor activity depends on the pattern and rate of discharge of spinal motor neurons. These neurons, the final common paths are bombarded from array of pathways.
The inputs converging on the motor neurons subserve three semi distinct functions through the:
Fig. 12-1
2. Extrapyramidal System - they adjust body posture to provide stable background for movement. Concerned with grosser movements and posture
Medial or Ventral Pathways and neurons are concerned with control of muscle of the trunk and proximal portions of the limbs
Lateral pathways are concerned with the control of muscles in the distal portions of the limbs Axial muscles are concerned with postural adjustment and gross movements Distal limb muscles are those that mediate fine, skilled movements
CORTICOSPINAL
TRACT
The fibers that cross the midline in the medullary pyramids and from the lateral corticospinal tract make up about 80% of the fibers in the corticospinal pathway.
20% of the fibers make up the anterior or ventral, corticospinal tract
30% of the fibers making up the corticospinal tracts come from the motor cortex
30% comes from the premotor cortex 40% from the parietal lobe especially the somatic sensory area
The cortical representation of each body part is proportionate in size to the skill with which the part is used for fine, voluntary movement.
Effects of Section or Destruction of the Lateral Corticospinal Tract loss of ability to grasp small objects between two fingers and to make isolated movements of the wrist can still use the hand in a gross
These deficits are consistent with loss of control of distal musculature of the limbs , which is concerned with fine skilled movements
Lesions of Ventral Corticospinal Tract produce axial muscle deficits that cause difficulty with balance, walking and climbing
prolonged hypotonia and flacidity rather than spasticity Damage of the lateral corticospinal tract produces the great toe and fanning of the other toes when the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot is scratch
When the neural axis is transected, the activities below the section are cut off or released from the control of higher brain centers and often appear to be accentuated
Levels of Integration
SPINAL INTEGRATION
transection of the cervical spinal cord
all spinal reflexes are depressed duration of the shock depends upon the degree of encephalization frogs and rats lasts for minutes dogs and cats lasts for 1-2 hours monkeys lasts for days humans minimum of 2 weeks
The first reflex response to appear as spinal shock wares off is slight contraction of the leg flexors and adductors in response to noxious stimulus
Hindbrain and spinal cord are isolated from the rest of the brain by transection of the brainstem at the superior border of the pons. Procedure is called
Decerebration
increased general excitability of the motor neuron pool increase in the rate of discharge in the gamma efferent neurons
1. Decerebrate Posture Caricature of the normal standing position neck and limbs extended, back arched, tail elevated.
no righting reflexes are present, and the animal stays in position where they are put rigidity in the limbs varies with position if the animal is placed on its back extension of all 4 limbs is maximal as the animal is turned to either side, rigidity decreases
head turned to one side limbs on that side (jaw limb) become more rigidly extended, while the contralateral limb become less
flexion of the head causes flexion of the forelimbs and extension of the hindlimbs
Midbrain Animal produced by section of the neural axis at the superior border of the midbrain Chronic midbrain animal can rise to the standing position, walk, and right themselves
Manifestations:
A. extensor rigidity when animals lies quietly on its back B. Righting reflex to maintain the normal standing position and keep head upright 1. head righting reflex 2. neck righting reflex 3. body righting reflex C. grasp reflex
Effects of Decortication
1. decorticate rigidity occurs only when animal is at rest 2. Placing and Hopping reactions are disrupted
Hopping movements keep the limbs in position to support the body when animal standing is pushed laterally
Placing reactions place the foot firmly on the supporting surface