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Related Concept Videos

Motor Units01:13

Motor Units

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The motor unit is a fundamental component of the neuromuscular system and plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle contractions. It consists of a somatic motor neuron, which connects and controls multiple skeletal muscle fibers, forming a single functional segment. The axon of the motor neuron branches out and establishes synaptic connections known as neuromuscular junctions with individual muscle fibers within the motor unit.
Motor units come in different sizes, with smaller units...
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Motor Units00:46

Motor Units

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A motor unit consists of two main components: a single efferent motor neuron (i.e., a neuron that carries impulses away from the central nervous system) and all of the muscle fibers it innervates. The motor neuron may innervate multiple muscle fibers, which are single cells, but only one motor neuron innervates a single muscle fiber.
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Motor Unit Stimulation01:20

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When the neuron of a motor unit fires an action potential, it triggers a series of events, leading to a twitch contraction in the muscle fibers. The process of excitation-contraction coupling is crucial in relaying the action potential to the muscle fibers.
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
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The Neuromuscular Junction01:19

The Neuromuscular Junction

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The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
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Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy01:19

Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy

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The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
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Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy01:16

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

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The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
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Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
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Motor Nerve Transfers: A Comprehensive Review.

Wilson Z Ray1, Jason Chang, Ammar Hawasli

  • 1*Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri;‡Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Neurosurgery
|September 24, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Nerve transfers significantly improve outcomes for brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries, offering a better reconstructive strategy than traditional nerve grafting. This review covers options, outcomes, and indications for various nerve injuries.

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Area of Science:

  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Neurology
  • Microsurgery

Background:

  • Brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries are common, impacting function and quality of life.
  • Traditional nerve grafting techniques have seen limited innovation over the past 30 years.
  • Emerging evidence suggests nerve transfers offer improved clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current options, outcomes, and indications for nerve transfers in treating brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries.
  • To explore the expanding application of nerve transfers for facial nerve and spinal cord injuries.
  • To detail the relevant anatomy for donor and recipient nerve selection in reconstructive procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of nerve transfer techniques for peripheral nerve reconstruction.
  • Analysis of clinical outcomes and success rates associated with various nerve transfer procedures.
  • Anatomical review focusing on donor-recipient nerve pairings and functional restoration.

Main Results:

  • Nerve transfers have demonstrated marked improvement in clinical outcomes compared to traditional methods.
  • Successful application of nerve transfers is documented for upper and lower extremity peripheral nerve injuries.
  • Increasing adoption of nerve transfers is noted for complex injuries, including facial and spinal cord nerves.

Conclusions:

  • Nerve transfers represent an advanced and effective reconstructive strategy for brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries.
  • The wider adoption and experience with nerve transfers are leading to superior functional recovery.
  • Further exploration and application of nerve transfers hold significant promise for treating a broader range of neurological injuries.