Neuroscience Analysis of Occupational Performance (OCTH 455)
and
Neuroscience (PTRS 850)
Motor Systems Review: Question #3

The Question

Name the three functional groups of motor output (exit) circuitry. Then describe the primary task completed by each functional group.

The Answer

  1. Postural control: Corticoreticulospinal and Vestibulospinal (large muscles of trunk); determine and maintain posture appropriate to the task - sitting with a straight back, bent knees, and both feet flat on the floor while typing.

  2. Limb movements: Corticorubrospinal (arms & legs); voluntary large movement of limbs - kicking a soccer ball.

  3. Fine movements: Corticospinal (hands) and corticobulbar (face & head, via cranial nerves) pathways; voluntary movements requiring precision and coordinated patterned activity - using chopsticks as eating utensils.
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