Podcast
Questions and Answers
What physiological adaptation to exercise involves the formation of new neurons?
What physiological adaptation to exercise involves the formation of new neurons?
- Synaptic pruning
- Neurogenesis (correct)
- Neuroplasticity
- Capillarization
Which factor is a cause of central fatigue, impeding motor output from the brain?
Which factor is a cause of central fatigue, impeding motor output from the brain?
- Increased muscle oxygen levels
- Enhanced neurotransmitter regulation
- Heightened central drive
- Glycogen depletion (correct)
Which of the following psychological effects is associated with regular exercise?
Which of the following psychological effects is associated with regular exercise?
- Decreased cognitive function
- Increased anxiety
- Improved self-efficacy (correct)
- Increased stress levels
What is the role of the central activation ratio (CAR) in measuring central fatigue?
What is the role of the central activation ratio (CAR) in measuring central fatigue?
Which of the following is NOT a brain-related change associated with training?
Which of the following is NOT a brain-related change associated with training?
What is the primary function of the motor cortex?
What is the primary function of the motor cortex?
Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for coordinating smooth and precise movements?
Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for coordinating smooth and precise movements?
What is the role of the thalamus in motor control?
What is the role of the thalamus in motor control?
Which statement about upper and lower motor neurons is true?
Which statement about upper and lower motor neurons is true?
How does the brainstem contribute to motor control?
How does the brainstem contribute to motor control?
Which area of the brain is involved in the integration of sensory feedback and movement planning?
Which area of the brain is involved in the integration of sensory feedback and movement planning?
What is the significance of decussation in the motor system?
What is the significance of decussation in the motor system?
What are the two main types of matter found in the spinal cord?
What are the two main types of matter found in the spinal cord?
What type of sensory information is carried by the dorsal root of the spinal cord?
What type of sensory information is carried by the dorsal root of the spinal cord?
What does the process called sensorimotor integration primarily involve?
What does the process called sensorimotor integration primarily involve?
What is neuroplasticity in the context of the CNS?
What is neuroplasticity in the context of the CNS?
What typically happens to brain activity after extensive motor skill practice?
What typically happens to brain activity after extensive motor skill practice?
What term describes the use of previously unused resources to maximize movement capability following practice?
What term describes the use of previously unused resources to maximize movement capability following practice?
What does training specifically refer to in the context of CNS adaptations?
What does training specifically refer to in the context of CNS adaptations?
Which of the following describes an effect of practice on regional brain activity?
Which of the following describes an effect of practice on regional brain activity?
What is a common outcome in neural connections resulting from practice?
What is a common outcome in neural connections resulting from practice?
How can the efficiency of the CNS be reflected in brain activity after learning?
How can the efficiency of the CNS be reflected in brain activity after learning?
What is the role of the spinal cord in linking the CNS with the PNS?
What is the role of the spinal cord in linking the CNS with the PNS?
How does practice influence neuroplasticity in the spinal cord?
How does practice influence neuroplasticity in the spinal cord?
What happens to brain activity during the performance of a task after extensive practice?
What happens to brain activity during the performance of a task after extensive practice?
In what way does sensorimotor integration occur in the spinal cord?
In what way does sensorimotor integration occur in the spinal cord?
What changes in brain activity can occur after learning new skills, particularly in previously unused resources?
What changes in brain activity can occur after learning new skills, particularly in previously unused resources?
What are the primary functions of the cerebellum in motor control?
What are the primary functions of the cerebellum in motor control?
How do the motor cortex and somatosensory cortex work together in movement planning?
How do the motor cortex and somatosensory cortex work together in movement planning?
Describe the role of the basal ganglia in motor control.
Describe the role of the basal ganglia in motor control.
What impact does central fatigue have on force production during physical activity?
What impact does central fatigue have on force production during physical activity?
Explain how the practice of motor skills influences the neural pathways in the CNS.
Explain how the practice of motor skills influences the neural pathways in the CNS.
The CNS is responsible for planning and initiating _____ actions.
The CNS is responsible for planning and initiating _____ actions.
The _____ is involved in comparing movement plans to incoming sensory information.
The _____ is involved in comparing movement plans to incoming sensory information.
The _____ lobe houses areas responsible for conscious thought and executive functions.
The _____ lobe houses areas responsible for conscious thought and executive functions.
The _____ connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
The _____ connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Most motor neuron tracts _____, meaning that one side of the brain corresponds to the opposite side of the body.
Most motor neuron tracts _____, meaning that one side of the brain corresponds to the opposite side of the body.
The spinal cord links the CNS with the ______.
The spinal cord links the CNS with the ______.
The dorsal root of the spinal cord carries ______ information.
The dorsal root of the spinal cord carries ______ information.
Motor commands originate from the ______ root of the spinal cord.
Motor commands originate from the ______ root of the spinal cord.
Sensorimotor integration involves multiple sensory inputs meeting motor ______.
Sensorimotor integration involves multiple sensory inputs meeting motor ______.
Neuroplasticity refers to changes in the ______ and spinal cord due to practice and training.
Neuroplasticity refers to changes in the ______ and spinal cord due to practice and training.
After extensive practice of a motor skill, generally less brain area is ______ during the task.
After extensive practice of a motor skill, generally less brain area is ______ during the task.
Training leads to physiological ______ in the CNS.
Training leads to physiological ______ in the CNS.
Changes in brain activity after learning often involve increased interconnectivity between ______ areas.
Changes in brain activity after learning often involve increased interconnectivity between ______ areas.
Practice influences the formation of new ______ in the CNS.
Practice influences the formation of new ______ in the CNS.
Following multiple practice trials, regions of the brain may show decreased activity, reflecting increased ______.
Following multiple practice trials, regions of the brain may show decreased activity, reflecting increased ______.
The _____ cortex is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.
The _____ cortex is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.
The _____ is crucial for smooth and coordinated movements by fine-tuning the motor plan with sensory information.
The _____ is crucial for smooth and coordinated movements by fine-tuning the motor plan with sensory information.
The left and right hemispheres of the brain are connected by the _____ callosum.
The left and right hemispheres of the brain are connected by the _____ callosum.
Sensory information from the body is processed in the _____ cortex, which also maps to specific body areas.
Sensory information from the body is processed in the _____ cortex, which also maps to specific body areas.
Neurons in the pyramidal tract primarily connect the _____ cortex to the spinal cord.
Neurons in the pyramidal tract primarily connect the _____ cortex to the spinal cord.
Sensory information is relayed through the _____ root of the spinal cord.
Sensory information is relayed through the _____ root of the spinal cord.
Movement commands are transmitted via the _____ root of the spinal cord.
Movement commands are transmitted via the _____ root of the spinal cord.
Sensorimotor integration involves multiple _____ inputs meeting with motor neurons.
Sensorimotor integration involves multiple _____ inputs meeting with motor neurons.
Neuroplasticity refers to changes in the brain and _____ due to practice and training.
Neuroplasticity refers to changes in the brain and _____ due to practice and training.
After extensive practice, generally less brain area is _____ during the performance of a task.
After extensive practice, generally less brain area is _____ during the performance of a task.
In some cases, more brain areas are active after learning, particularly in areas related to _____ between regions.
In some cases, more brain areas are active after learning, particularly in areas related to _____ between regions.
Flashcards
Motor Cortex Function
Motor Cortex Function
Part of the cerebral cortex that initiates voluntary movements by sending signals to the spinal cord.
Somatosensory Cortex Function
Somatosensory Cortex Function
Part of the cerebral cortex that receives sensory information from the body, like touch and proprioception.
Cerebellum's Role in Movement
Cerebellum's Role in Movement
Coordinates and refines movement, making it smooth and precise. It compares intended movements to actual movements.
Brain Stem's Role in Movement
Brain Stem's Role in Movement
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Pyramidal Tract
Pyramidal Tract
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Decussation
Decussation
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Homunculus
Homunculus
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Spinal Cord Function
Spinal Cord Function
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White Matter
White Matter
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Grey Matter
Grey Matter
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Sensorimotor Integration
Sensorimotor Integration
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Dorsal Root
Dorsal Root
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Ventral Root
Ventral Root
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Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity
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CNS Adaptations to Practice
CNS Adaptations to Practice
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Automaticity
Automaticity
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Efficiency in Performance
Efficiency in Performance
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Brain Adaptations to Training
Brain Adaptations to Training
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Central Fatigue
Central Fatigue
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Central Activation Ratio (CAR)
Central Activation Ratio (CAR)
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Glycogen Depletion
Glycogen Depletion
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Altered CNS Functioning in Fatigue
Altered CNS Functioning in Fatigue
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What are Brodmann areas?
What are Brodmann areas?
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What is the homunculus?
What is the homunculus?
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What is the role of the cerebellum in movement?
What is the role of the cerebellum in movement?
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What is the function of the brain stem in movement?
What is the function of the brain stem in movement?
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What is the pyramidal tract?
What is the pyramidal tract?
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What is the spinal cord's role?
What is the spinal cord's role?
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What are the differences between practice and training?
What are the differences between practice and training?
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Motor cortex
Motor cortex
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Somatosensory cortex
Somatosensory cortex
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Cerebellum
Cerebellum
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Brain stem
Brain stem
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What connects the CNS to the PNS?
What connects the CNS to the PNS?
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What is white matter?
What is white matter?
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What is gray matter?
What is gray matter?
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What is sensorimotor integration?
What is sensorimotor integration?
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What are the roles of the dorsal and ventral roots?
What are the roles of the dorsal and ventral roots?
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What is neuroplasticity?
What is neuroplasticity?
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How does practice affect CNS structure and function?
How does practice affect CNS structure and function?
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What does 'automaticity' mean in relation to practice?
What does 'automaticity' mean in relation to practice?
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How does practice affect brain activity during task performance?
How does practice affect brain activity during task performance?
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What do changes in brain region activation reflect?
What do changes in brain region activation reflect?
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What is the motor cortex's role?
What is the motor cortex's role?
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What does the somatosensory cortex do?
What does the somatosensory cortex do?
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What does the 'homunculus' represent?
What does the 'homunculus' represent?
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What is the cerebellum's function?
What is the cerebellum's function?
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What are the pyramidal tracts?
What are the pyramidal tracts?
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Spinal Cord's Role
Spinal Cord's Role
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Dorsal vs. Ventral Roots
Dorsal vs. Ventral Roots
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Practice's Effect on the CNS
Practice's Effect on the CNS
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Automaticity of Skill
Automaticity of Skill
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Brain Activity During Practice
Brain Activity During Practice
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Study Notes
Motor Learning - PHYL 4518
- Course information: Mount Royal University, PHY 4518 Motor Learning, Fall 2024, Week 6, Zoe Chan, PhD.
- Email: [email protected]
Unit 4: Central Neural Mechanisms
- Learning Objectives:
- Describe motor control functions in CNS components and their integration for motor planning.
- Explain how physical training and practice affect the CNS.
- Identify the impacts of central fatigue on force production.
CNS and Motor Control
- The CNS plans and initiates motor actions.
- Planning uses learned behaviors and sensory feedback.
- Motor actions are initiated by sending a plan down the spinal cord from the CNS.
- Motor plans are encoded into precise electrical signals in motor neurons.
- Many motor neurons are involved to carry out effective movement.
- Changes to the signal occur during its descent from the CNS to the PNS.
Areas of the Brain
- The brain is divided into cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, and brainstem.
- Specific brain areas control functions such as midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
The Cerebrum
- Composed of left and right hemispheres.
- Contains a deep area below the cortex.
- Composed of a cerebral cortex (outer/superficial area).
- Cerebral cortex: the seat of conscious mind, stores learned experiences, and receives sensory input.
The Cerebrum - Lobes
- The cerebral cortex is divided into lobes: frontal (anterior), parietal (top), occipital (dorsal), and temporal (lateral sides).
The Cerebrum - Brodmann Areas
- The cerebral cortex is structurally and functionally divided into Brodmann areas.
- Key Brodmann areas for motor control include motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, auditory cortex, and visual cortex.
- Areas regulating thought and executive function are in the frontal lobe
Motor and Somatosensory Cortex
- The motor and somatosensory cortexes map to body areas (homunculus).
- Brain tissue is heavily devoted to the hands and face for motor and sensory functions.
Motor Cortex
- The motor cortex connects with the spinal cord via tracts.
- The pyramidal tract is a key tract for motor control; others are extrapyramidal tracts.
- Most tracts decussate, meaning one side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.
Motor Cortex: Upper and Lower Motor Neurons
- Upper motor neurons directly connect with lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.
- Lower motor neurons connect to muscles (to initiate muscular movements)
Somatosensory Cortex
- Receives sensory information from the body (e.g., proprioception, touch).
- Connects with the spinal cord via tracts.
- Sensory tracts are more complex than motor tracts.
Cerebrum: Deep Structures
- Includes the basal ganglia for processing information, posture, and equilibrium.
- Corpus callosum links the left and right hemispheres.
Measuring the Brain
- Structural measurement techniques: MRI, CT.
- Functional measurement techniques: fMRI, EEG, PET
Diencephalon: Thalamus
- Processes information flowing between the brain stem and cerebrum.
- Relays sensory information among motor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum.
- Regulates aspects of the autonomic nervous system
Cerebellum
- Involved in planning and organizing smooth, coordinated movements.
- Compares movement plans to sensory information.
- Fine-tunes movement for timing and precision.
- Important for functions like walking and speaking.
Brain Stem
- Located at the junction between the brain and spinal cord.
- Includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
- Acts as a passageway and switchboard for fibers between the spinal cord and cerebrum.
- Processes, filters, and routes signals.
Brain Stem - Reticular Formation
- Houses a neural network that controls programmed, automatic movement behaviors.
- Responsible for locomotion, posture, muscle tone, breathing, and heart rate regulation.
Spinal Cord
- Connects the CNS to the PNS.
- White matter consists of myelinated axons.
- Gray matter includes cell bodies of PNS neurons and interneurons.
- Sensory information enters via the dorsal root; motor commands exit via the ventral root.
- Sensory inputs and motor neurons meet in the spinal cord, integrating them in a sensorimotor process.
CNS Adaptations to Practice and Training
- Practice impacts CNS structure and function through neuroplasticity.
- This can involve new synapses, altered somatotopic maps, and increased efficiency of movements (automaticity).
- Training results in physiological adaptations to exercise and increased neural activity in related brain areas, which can alter neural synapses and pathways.
CNS Adaptations to Practice
- Practice generally results in less brain area activity during movements, indicating automaticity and efficiency.
- More brain areas may become active after learning, especially interconnectivity increases, indicating more usage of previously unused resources.
CNS Adaptations to Practice: Physiological Changes
- Changes in neuronal structure in the brain and spinal cord, following practices.
- More synaptic connections and dendritic sprouting increase signal connections and processes.
- Receptor sites, neurotransmitter increases in efficiency, and faster firing of the neurons
- Increased neuron size (bigger, denser, and more excitable) in motor cortex areas related to practiced movements.
CNS Adaptations to Training: Psychological Effects
- Exercise is associated with improved mood, reduced anxiety, and increased self-efficacy.
- Training can improve cognitive function, memory, and learning, particularly in older adults.
CNS Adaptations to Training: Physiological Effects
- Exercise leads to brain-related changes like cell proliferation, increased blood flow, alterations in brain chemistry (neurotransmitters, receptors, synapses, and capillarization), and an overall slower loss of brain tissue.
Altered CNS Functioning: Central Fatigue
- Fatigue is the inability to produce the required or expected force or work.
- Muscle fatigue occurs due to the failing physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in muscle contractions.
- Central fatigue involves the reduction in motor output from the brain and spinal cord.
Measuring Central Fatigue
- Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) measures force production to assess for central fatigue.
- Central activation ratio (CAR) is calculated to evaluate fatigue levels from MVC data.
Causes of Central Fatigue
- Central fatigue can result from glycogen depletion, a reduction in neurotransmitter regulation, and decreased oxygen levels at the CNS.
- Non-motor areas in the brain can begin processing signals differently, leading to altered sensations and poorer motor performance during fatigue.
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Description
This quiz covers the central neural mechanisms involved in motor learning as outlined in PHYL 4518. You will explore how the CNS integrates components for motor planning, the effects of training on CNS performance, and the implications of central fatigue on force production. Test your understanding of these concepts essential for effective motor control.
