PSYC 271 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Thalamus, Triceps Brachii Muscle, Somatotopic Arrangement

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 271
• Professor: Monica Valsangkar-Smyth

Document Summary

Chapter foundations: sensorimotor system is hierarchically organized, motor output guided by sensory output, learning can change nature and locus of sensorimotor control. Controls output that has evolved in a competitive environment. Directed by commands that cascade through hierarchical levels. Association cortex or company president are highest levels: spe(cid:272)if(cid:455) ge(cid:374)e(cid:396)al goals (cid:396)athe(cid:396) tha(cid:374) spe(cid:272)ifi(cid:272) pla(cid:374)s of a(cid:272)tio(cid:374) (cid:396)a(cid:396)el(cid:455) get i(cid:374)(cid:448)ol(cid:448)ed i(cid:374) the details, this hierarchical organization good b/c higher levels left to free to perform complex functions. Muscles or workers are the lowest levels. System in which signals flow between levels over multiple paths; this parallel structure allows association or company president to exert control over the lower areas in more than 1 way. Also characterized by functional segregation; meaning each level of sensorimotor and company hierarchies composed of different units/neural circuits performing different functions. Summary: system is a parallel, functionally segregated and hierarchical system.