PSL300H1 Study Guide - Final Guide: Brainstem, Stretch Reflex, Sensory Neuron
7 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
There is a hierarchical level of organization of how different groups of neurons (nuclei) control motor movement: simple reflexes: sensory neuron make synapses with spinal cord motoneurons to mediate simple reflexes. Reflexes can perform simple elements of movements, but not complex patterns. E. g. , stretch reflexes cannot restore postural stability after a perturbation; a centrally coordinated response is required. Posture and movement are programmed" by cpgs, or functional networks of neurons. Cpgs are located principally in the spinal cord and in brainstem (see also hypothalamus) Often these cpgs are activated in order of relevance. Often very important in behavioural responses as well. Motor circuits can be referred to motor programs, for the stretch reflex stretch it, contract it back. Movement can be classified as reflexes or rhythmic/voluntary. Last lecture we talked about reflexes, and today we"ll go one level up. The problem with having just simple reflexes (gtr/stretch), is that they"re not sufficient for complex motor patterns.
