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Related Concept Videos

Hierarchy of Motor Control01:18

Hierarchy of Motor Control

The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
Indirect Motor Pathways01:22

Indirect Motor Pathways

The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
Direct Motor Pathways01:11

Direct Motor Pathways

The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and the...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
08:19

Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion

Published on: January 15, 2016

Central pattern generator for locomotion: anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological considerations.

Pierre A Guertin1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Laval University Quebec City, QC, Canada ; Laval University Medical Center (CHU de Quebec) Quebec City, QC, Canada.

Frontiers in Neurology
|February 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The central pattern generator (CPG) controls rhythmic locomotion across vertebrates. Spinal cord CPG research reveals its role in movement disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome and Uner Tan Syndrome.

Keywords:
Uner Tan syndromealternating leg movement activationcentral pattern generator for locomotionrestless leg syndromerhythmic stereotyped patternsspinal networks

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Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Spinal Cord Research

Background:

  • Pioneering work by Sherrington and Brown established the foundation for understanding neural control of locomotion.
  • Decades of research confirm the central pattern generator (CPG) as a spinal neural network controlling rhythmic movements like walking, flying, and swimming.
  • CPGs are conserved across vertebrates, capable of generating basic locomotor patterns independently of descending or peripheral input.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical perspective on innovations in spinal cord research over the past century.
  • To review key findings on the central pattern generator (CPG) for locomotion.
  • To explore the potential role of CPGs in specific neurological disorders affecting movement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of historical and recent research findings.
  • Analysis of experimental evidence from various vertebrate species.
  • Examination of the CPG's role in pathophysiological conditions.

Main Results:

  • The central pattern generator (CPG) is fundamental for rhythmic locomotor pattern generation and modulation in the spinal cord.
  • CPG plasticity may contribute to neurological disorders characterized by impaired or spontaneous movements.
  • The CPG's involvement is investigated in Restless Leg Syndrome, Periodic Leg Movement, Alternating Leg Muscle Activation, and Uner Tan Syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • The central pattern generator (CPG) is a critical neural network for locomotion across the vertebrate kingdom.
  • Understanding CPG function and plasticity is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying movement disorders.
  • Further research into the CPG's role may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions affecting motor control.