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Sensorimotor control of the spine.
Sten Holm1, Aage Indahl, Moshe Solomonow
1Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Summary
Spinal viscoelastic structures like discs, capsules, and ligaments monitor sensory input and control muscles. Stimulation of these tissues triggers reflex muscle contractions, influencing spinal stability and proprioception.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Anatomy
Background:
- Spinal viscoelastic tissues (discs, capsules, ligaments) play a crucial role in spinal function.
- Understanding their sensory-motor functions is key to comprehending spinal stability and proprioception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the sensory-motor functions of spinal viscoelastic structures.
- To investigate the role of afferent signals from these tissues in controlling spinal muscles.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on spinal viscoelastic structures and their innervation.
- Analysis of studies involving electrical and mechanical stimulation of spinal tissues.
Main Results:
- Abundant afferent nerve fibers (monitoring proprioceptive and kinesthetic information) are present in spinal discs, capsules, and ligaments.
- Electrical and mechanical stimulation of these tissues elicits reflex contractions in the multifidus and longissimus muscles.
- Stimulation effects are most pronounced at the site of excitation and spread to adjacent spinal levels.
Conclusions:
- Spinal viscoelastic structures are integral to sensory monitoring and motor control of the spine.
- These tissues contribute to kinesthetic perception and likely influence sensory cortex processing.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay between spinal passive tissues and active muscle control.