PS263 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Basal Ganglia, Supplementary Motor Area, Midbrain Tectum
Document Summary
Direct electrical stimulation of the primary motor cortex elicits movement. Axons extend to the brainstem and spinal cord which generates impulses that control the muscles. In humans, some axons go directly from the cerebral cortex to motor neurons. Human movements depend on both axons to motor neurons and axons to interneurons. Lack of cerebral control on less complex actions like coughing and sneezing perhaps explains why it"s hard to perform such actions voluntarily. Motor cortex (controls parts of body) is just anterior to the somatosensory cortex (feels parts of body) and the two match up nicely. Ex the brain area that controls the left hand is near the area that feels the left hand. You need to feel a body part to control its movement accurately. Primary motor cortex is important for making movements but not initial planning. One of first areas to plan movement, also controls aim. Monitors position of the body relative to the world.
