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Related Concept Videos

Indirect Motor Pathways01:22

Indirect Motor Pathways

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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...
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Somatic Spinal Reflexes01:22

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Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
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Major Somatic Sensory Pathways01:28

Major Somatic Sensory Pathways

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Sensory impulses related to touch, pressure, vibration, and proprioception from various body parts, such as the limbs, trunk, neck, and posterior head, travel to the cerebral cortex through the posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway. The pathway’s name derives from the two white-matter tracts that convey the impulses: the spinal cord's posterior column and the brainstem's medial lemniscus. First-order sensory neurons extend their axons into the spinal cord, forming the...
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Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy01:16

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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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Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

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The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
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Hierarchy of Motor Control01:18

Hierarchy of Motor Control

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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.
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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
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Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Published on: January 18, 2010

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Tonic and Rhythmic Spinal Activity Underlying Locomotion.

Yury P Ivanenko1, Victor S Gurfinkel2, Victor A Selionov3

  • 1Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, Rome 00179. Italy.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 28, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human spinal cord circuits are key for initiating and sustaining stepping. Understanding their integrated control is vital for developing therapies for spinal cord and brain injuries.

Keywords:
Central pattern generatorKohnstamm phenomenonelectromagnetic stimulationlocomotionmuscle toneneuromodulatorsrhythmogenesissensory inputspinal cord

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Research increasingly focuses on the functional state of human spinal locomotor circuits.
  • Spinal cord circuitry influences reflex, postural, and locomotor control.
  • The spinal cord's state impacts functional recovery after neurological injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review studies on the rhythmogenesis capacity of human spinal neuronal circuitries.
  • To highlight the importance of spinal cord control in locomotor function.
  • To explore the development of therapies modulating central pattern generators.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on human spinal cord stimulation and function.
  • Analysis of studies investigating cervical and lumbosacral rhythmogenesis.
  • Synthesis of findings on the integration of tonic and rhythmic spinal activity.

Main Results:

  • Tonic and rhythmic spinal activity are closely integrated for stepping.
  • Spinal cord function is crucial for initiating and sustaining locomotion.
  • The spinal cord's physiological state significantly affects motor control and recovery.

Conclusions:

  • The spinal cord plays an active role in motor control, not just signal transmission.
  • Understanding spinal rhythmogenesis is essential for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.
  • Central pattern generator-modulating therapies hold promise for improving locomotor function after injury.