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Related Concept Videos

Direct Motor Pathways01:11

Direct Motor Pathways

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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.
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...
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Motor Units00:46

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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 Units01:13

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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.
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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.
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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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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
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Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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Motor functions.

Ann Hallemans1, Evi Verbeque2, Patricia Van de Walle1

  • 1Research Group MOVANT (Movement Antwerp), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|September 22, 2020
PubMed
Summary

This chapter explores motor development, defining motor skills and praxis. It highlights the interplay of perception, cognition, and action, and discusses typical development milestones.

Keywords:
Motor functionMotor skillPraxisTypical development

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Kinesiology

Background:

  • Motor development progresses from reflexive to voluntary, goal-directed actions.
  • Motor skills are performed within dynamic environments, requiring interaction with objects and social contexts.
  • Praxis involves skillful, efficient motor actions in response to environmental stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define key components of motor function, motor skills, and praxis.
  • To discuss the intricate relationship between perception, cognition, and motor action.
  • To highlight critical periods in typical motor and praxis development.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual review and synthesis of existing literature on motor development.
  • Utilizes the "mountain of motor development" metaphor, grounded in dynamic systems theory.
  • Discussion of evaluation methods for motor function and praxis.

Main Results:

  • Provides clear definitions for motor function, motor skills, and praxis.
  • Illustrates the interconnectedness of sensory perception, cognitive processes, and motor execution.
  • Identifies crucial developmental stages for acquiring motor abilities.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding motor development requires considering the dynamic interplay of internal and external factors.
  • Praxis is a fundamental ability for effective interaction with the environment.
  • Proper evaluation of motor function and praxis is essential, acknowledging potential challenges.