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Related Concept Videos

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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Indirect Motor Pathways01:22

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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.
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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.
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The thalamus, often called “the gateway to the cerebral cortex,” is vital in processing and directing sensory and motor signals throughout the brain. Almost all inputs destined for the cerebral cortex, except for olfactory signals, are relayed through the thalamus. The thalamus is  a sophisticated relay station, channeling information from various brain regions to the cerebral cortex, as well as a filter, prioritizing certain signals over others based on current physiological...
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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.
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The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
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In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
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Starting and stopping movement by the primate brain.

Roger Lemon1, Alexander Kraskov1

  • 1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL), London, UK.

Brain and Neuroscience Advances
|March 14, 2020
PubMed
Summary

The motor cortex and corticospinal neurons are crucial for planning and executing movements, including skilled actions. Research in primates offers insights into motor control and neurological disease treatments.

Keywords:
Motor systemcorticospinalmirror neuronmonkeymotor cortex

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Primate Models

Background:

  • The motor cortex is central to movement preparation and execution.
  • Corticospinal neurons, especially those with cortico-motoneuronal connections, are key for skilled movements.
  • The motor cortex is also active during action observation and motor imagery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the motor cortex in movement.
  • To discuss the function of corticospinal neurons in skilled movements.
  • To explore motor inhibition and the utility of primate models for human motor system research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current knowledge on motor cortex function.
  • Discussion of corticospinal neuron activity during movement, observation, and imagery.
  • Analysis of motor inhibition mechanisms and disfacilitation of corticospinal output.

Main Results:

  • Corticospinal neurons act as 'command' neurons for skilled reach-to-grasp movements in primates.
  • Evidence supports motor cortex involvement in action observation and motor imagery.
  • Disfacilitation of corticospinal output plays a role in stopping movement.

Conclusions:

  • Non-human primates are valuable models for understanding the human motor system.
  • Research on primate motor systems provides insights for treating neurological diseases like stroke and spinal injury.
  • The motor cortex's role extends beyond movement generation to include observation, imagery, and inhibition.