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Questions and Answers
What role do the basal ganglia play in movement control?
Which areas of the brain are primarily responsible for executing movement?
What is the primary function of the cerebellum in relation to movement?
How do sensory feedback loops contribute to movement management?
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What is the primary relationship between upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons?
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What is a primary role of the motor cortex?
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What influences the grasp force during movement?
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Which statement is true regarding the relationship between sensory and motor systems?
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What is the main responsibility of the lateral corticospinal tract?
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Where does the medial corticospinal tract decussate?
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Which cortico-spinal tract is responsible for innervating the muscles of the head and face?
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What is the role of the posterior parietal cortex in motor control?
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In the motor cortex, areas responsible for greater motor control are represented how?
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What is the function of the premotor area (PMA)?
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What consequences arise from lesions in area 6 of the motor cortex?
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Which tract originates at the red nucleus and is responsible for supplying distal muscles?
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What is the main activation pattern of the primary motor cortex (M1)?
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What defines the somatotopic organization in the motor cortex?
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What is a common symptom associated with lower motor neuron lesions?
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Which symptom is indicative of upper motor neuron lesions in the long term?
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What occurs during spinal shock following an upper motor neuron lesion?
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What effect does a unilateral upper motor neuron lesion above the decussation have on the body?
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Which of the following symptoms is associated with lower motor neuron injury over time?
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What is the characteristic reflex response for upper motor neuron lesions indicated by the Babinski sign?
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Which type of neuron damage leads to hyporeflexia and weakness?
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What is a key distinguishing feature of upper motor neuron lesions compared to lower motor neuron lesions?
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Which statement correctly explains the role of the corticospinal tract?
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What might cause loss of reflexes in lower motor neuron lesions?
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What is the primary function of lower motor neurons?
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Which statement best describes the size principle in muscle recruitment?
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What role do upper motor neurons play in the motor system?
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What is one primary source of input for lower motor neurons?
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What allows for the graded force production in muscles?
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Which statement about the corticospinal tract is true?
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What defines a motor unit?
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What phenomenon occurs during fused tetanus?
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Which type of movements do larger motor units primarily facilitate?
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What is the main purpose of sensory receptors in the motor system?
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How does the motor system facilitate smooth movements?
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How does rate coding contribute to muscle force production?
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What is the impact of asynchronous firing of motor units?
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What primarily occurs in the neuromuscular junction?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for leflunomide?
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What effect does rituximab have on CD20+ cells?
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What is the main action of basiliximab in the immune system?
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How does aldesleukin enhance immune responses?
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What is the role of ipilimumab and nivolumab in cancer treatment?
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What happens to the tongue when there is hypoglossal nerve impingement?
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What is the typical response of the uvula when one side of the soft palate elevates?
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Which nerve is responsible for the parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland?
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What is the primary function of mycophenolate in the immune system?
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Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action for cyclophosphamide?
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What triggers the knee jerk reflex?
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What is the primary role of the vestibulocerebellum?
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Which cerebellar division is responsible for real-time error correction during limb movements?
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What happens when there is damage to the lateral corticospinal tract?
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What best describes the primary function of the cerebrocerebellum?
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Which of the following is a symptom of spinocerebellar damage?
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How does the cerebellum coordinate movements?
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What impact does a vestibulocerebellum lesion have on a person's balance?
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What are the main components of the basal ganglia?
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Which pathway is primarily excitatory within the basal ganglia?
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How does the cerebellum receive sensory information?
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What is the significance of cerebellar ataxia?
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What is the primary role of the basal ganglia in movement control?
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Which feature allows the cerebellum to efficiently pack neurons?
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What is the primary reason dopamine cannot be directly administered for Parkinson's treatment?
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What is the main effect of levodopa in treating Parkinson's disease?
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What potential complication arises from excessive removal of subthalamic nucleus neurons during surgery for Parkinson's?
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How does deep brain stimulation function as a treatment for Parkinson's disease?
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Which area of the brain is primarily responsible for planning movements?
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What outcome is typically seen after an upper motor neuron lesion following the initial phase?
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What does the surgical treatment for Parkinson's aim to modify in the basal ganglia pathways?
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Which symptom is NOT typically associated with lower motor neuron lesions?
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What is one of the main roles of the spinocerebellum?
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The inability to perform rapid alternating movements in a patient indicates potential damage to which part of the brain?
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In terms of movement control, what primarily happens during an injury to the spinal cord affecting the lateral corticospinal tract?
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What characterizes intention tremors seen in motor coordination disorders?
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What type of reflex is absent when a patient cannot move their toes and shows a lack of myotatic reflex?
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What is the role of the globus pallidus in the motor circuit?
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Which neurotransmitter is crucial for modulating the functions of the striatum in the basal ganglia?
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How does the direct pathway impact motor output?
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What is the primary effect of dopamine on the indirect pathway?
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What characterizes Parkinson’s disease with respect to motor symptoms?
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Which condition is associated with excessive uncontrollable movements due to underactivity of the indirect pathway?
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In the direct pathway, what role do D1 receptors primarily play?
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What happens to the cortical output in the indirect pathway?
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What effect does the thalamus have when disinhibited by the basal ganglia circuitry?
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Which of the following describes the primary action of the subthalamic nucleus in the motor circuitry?
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What is the impact of increased activity in the indirect pathway on motor plans?
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What characterizes the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease?
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How is the balance between the direct and indirect pathways important in the basal ganglia?
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What are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
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What happens due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease?
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Which cerebellar region is primarily responsible for movement coordination, potentially affected in Adam’s symptoms?
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What type of ataxia might be observed if there is a lesion in the cerebellar vermis?
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Dysdiadochokinesia is associated with dysfunction in which aspect of movement?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with cerebellar damage?
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What is the primary function of the spinocerebellum?
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Which statement about the vestibulocerebellum is correct?
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If the glossopharyngeal nerve is damaged at the jugular foramen, what symptom is likely present?
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Corticosteroids primarily inhibit which enzyme related to inflammation?
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Calcineurin inhibitors are used for organ transplantation due to their effect on which cytokine?
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Which statement about m-TOR inhibitors is correct?
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Which artery does NOT contribute to the vascular supply of the thyroid gland?
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Past-pointing behavior can indicate a lesion in which cerebellar area?
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What type of damage is most likely associated with dysmetria?
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What muscle is innervated by the nerve to mylohyoid?
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Study Notes
Motor Neuron Organisation and Clinical Signs of Lesions
- Upper Motor Neurons (UMNs): Originate in the motor cortex or brainstem and terminate within the brainstem or spinal cord (ventral horn). They control voluntary movements and do not directly innervate muscles, instead, they synapse with lower motor neurons.
- Lower Motor Neurons (LMNs): Directly innervate muscles, involved in voluntary and reflexive movements. Cell bodies located in the spinal cord, particularly in the ventral horn.
- LMN Lesions: Cause flaccid paralysis, paresis, muscle atrophy, and areflexia.
- UMN Lesions: Cause spasticity, hyperreflexia, and a positive Babinski reflex.
- Spinal Shock: Immediate consequence of UMN lesions, characterised by flaccidity, hypotonia, and areflexia.
- Hyperreflexia: Exaggerated reflexes caused by damage to descending pathways that normally modulate reflexes.
- Clonus: Rhythmic cycles of reflexive contraction and relaxation due to sustained stretch.
- Hypertonia: Increased resistance to passive muscle stretch due to ongoing contractile activity.
Cortical Areas Involved in Motor Control
- Posterior Parietal Cortex: Sensory integration center providing sensory input to the premotor cortex.
- Prefrontal Cortex: Decision making center for executing actions.
- Premotor Cortex (PMA): Plans movement sequences based on sensory input from the posterior parietal cortex and receives information from the prefrontal cortex.
- Primary Motor Cortex (M1): Executes movement based on motor plans received from the premotor cortex. It directly innervates lower motor neurons in the spinal cord via the corticospinal tract.
- Supplementary Motor Area (SMA): Involved in planning motor actions, especially based on memory and learning new motor sequences.
Descending Motor Tracts
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Pyramidal Tracts: Originate in the cerebral cortex, responsible for voluntary control of muscles in the body and face.
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Corticospinal Tract: Contributes to the movement of the body.
- Lateral Corticospinal Tract: Carries signals from the primary motor cortex to the spinal cord, controlling distal muscles (fine motor control of fingers/hand).
- Medial Corticospinal Tract (Anterior Corticospinal Tract): Carries signals to axial muscles, proximal segments of arms/legs.
- Corticobulbar Tract: Carries signals controlling muscles of the head and face.
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Corticospinal Tract: Contributes to the movement of the body.
- Extrapyramidal Tracts: Originate in the brainstem, involved in involuntary/autonomic control of musculature.
The Cerebellum and Movement
- Cerebellum: Involved in refining and coordinating movements, and receives input from both the cerebral cortex and brainstem.
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Functional Subdivisions of the Cerebellum:
- Cerebrocerebellum: Responsible for coordination and planning of voluntary movements.
- Spinocerebellum: Regulates muscle tone and coordination.
- Vestibulocerebellum: Maintains balance and posture.
The Basal Ganglia and Movement
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Basal Ganglia: A group of nuclei that are involved in planning and executing movement, learning new motor skills, and controlling muscle tone.
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The Functional Circuitry of the Basal Ganglia:
- Direct Pathway: Promotes movement.
- Indirect Pathway: Inhibits movement.
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The Functional Circuitry of the Basal Ganglia:
Movement Coordination
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Sensory Feedback: Sensory information from muscles and joints is crucial for the brain to monitor and adjust movement.
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Motor Unit: One motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.
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Motor Pool: A group of motor units that work together to control a muscle.
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Size Principle: Motor units are recruited from smallest to largest to control the amount of force generated.
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Rate Coding: Varying frequencies of excitation by motor neurons influences force production.### Knee-Jerk Reflex
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Tapping the patellar tendon stretches the quadriceps muscle.
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Stretch receptors in the muscle sense the change in muscle length, triggering an increased firing rate of sensory neurons.
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This signal travels to the ventral horn of the spinal cord, causing motor neurons to fire more frequently and contract the muscle.
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The reflex is dampened by descending pathways from the lateral corticospinal tract.
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Damage to this tract (UMN lesion) leads to exaggerated reflexes, a sign of reduced descending inhibition.
Cerebellum
- It is located on the back of the brain, below the cerebrum and above the brainstem.
- It plays a critical role in coordinating and refining movements, but does not directly execute them.
- The cerebellar hemispheres are connected by the vermis, and together they contain 50% of the brain's neurons.
Functional Divisions of the Cerebellum
- Vestibulocerebellum: Located in the flocculonodular lobe, it receives input from the vestibular system and is involved in maintaining balance and posture. It also receives input from the superior colliculus and visual cortex to update eye movements and maintain ocular reflexes.
- Spinocerebellum: Includes the vermis and immediate hemisphere. It receives sensory input from the spinal cord and motor cortex, responsible for regulating body movements and error correction. It receives information about muscle length changes from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.
- Cerebrocerebellum: Located in the lateral hemispheres, it receives input from the cerebral cortex and is involved in planning and modifying learned movements. It uses sensory information from the motor cortex to refine movements based on past experiences.
Cerebellar Lesions
- Vestibulocerebellar lesions impair the ability to automatically compensate for body position shifts, causing difficulty with balance and gait.
- Spinocerebellar lesions affect coordination of movements, leading to cerebellar ataxia, dysmetria, and dyssenergia.
- Cerebrocerebellar lesions disrupt the control of ipsilateral (same-side) movement, causing movement decomposition and deficits in motor learning, spatial cognition, and working memory.
Basal Ganglia
- It is a group of interconnected nuclei located below the cerebral cortex.
- The key components include striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus.
- It receives input from the motor cortex and limbic system and projects back to the cortex via the thalamus, influencing movement control.
Direct and Indirect Pathways of the Basal Ganglia
- Direct pathway: Excites the thalamus, promoting cortical activity and movement initiation.
- Indirect pathway: Inhibits the thalamus, suppressing cortical activity and movement initiation.
- Dopamine released from the substantia nigra pars compacta plays a role in modulating both pathways, influencing movement selection and initiation.
Dopamine Circuit and its Role in Basal Ganglia Function
- Dopamine activates D1 receptors in the direct pathway, promoting movement.
- Dopamine activates D2 receptors in the indirect pathway, inhibiting movement.
- The balance between the direct and indirect pathways, modulated by dopamine, determines the strength of basal ganglia output to the thalamus, ultimately impacting motor control.
Basal Ganglia Disorders
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Hypokinetic disorders (reduced movement):
- Parkinson's disease: characterized by akinesia, bradykinesia, resting tremors, muscle stiffness, and postural instability.
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Hyperkinetic disorders (increased movement):
- Huntington's disease: characterized by uncontrolled dance-like movements (chorea).
- Hemiballismus: characterized by violent and jerky movements of one side of the body.
Parkinson's Disease
- This is caused by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.
- This leads to an imbalance between the direct and indirect pathways, with the indirect pathway becoming overactive.
- Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
Pharmaceutical Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
- L-dopa: A precursor to dopamine that can cross the blood-brain barrier and be converted into dopamine, improving movement but having potential side effects.
- Dopamine agonists: Provide alternative activation for dopamine receptors.
- Dopamine reuptake inhibitors: Increase dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft.
Surgical Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
- Subthalamic nucleus (STN) lesioning: Reduces the activation of the indirect pathway, improving movement but requiring careful calibration.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Involves implanting electrodes in specific brain regions (STN or GPi) to deliver continuous electrical stimulation, modulating neural activity and reducing symptoms.
Movement Control and the Basal Ganglia
- The premotor cortex plans movements.
- The supplementary motor area generates a motor plan.
- The basal ganglia modulate these plans via interactions with the thalamus and motor cortex.
- The direct pathway promotes the execution of the planned movement.
- The indirect pathway inhibits the execution of the planned movement.
- The balance between the direct and indirect pathways, influenced by dopamine, determines the likelihood of movement execution.
Lateral Corticospinal Tract
- Injury to the lateral corticospinal tract results in ipsilateral flaccid paralysis due to disrupted motor signals.
- The lateral corticospinal tract controls voluntary movements of the limbs.
Spinocerebellum
- The spinocerebellum regulates movements in progress by modulating descending motor commands.
- It receives sensory information from the spinal cord and proprioceptors.
Basal Ganglia
- The basal ganglia modulate motor commands via the thalamus.
- They play a role in motor planning, initiation, and execution.
Concave Haemorrhage
- A concave haemorrhage in the lateral motor cortex, specifically on the left side, primarily affects the upper limb and facial muscles because this region is responsible for their motor control.
Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
- The middle cerebral artery (MCA) supplies the corticospinal tract, responsible for fine motor activity of the upper limbs, and the corticobulbar tract, vital for facial expressions.
- Damage to the MCA can lead to weakness or paralysis of the upper limbs and facial muscles.
Brain Activation during Movement
- The premotor area of the brain is responsible for planning sensory-guided movements and is activated when mentally rehearsing movements.
- The primary motor cortex is responsible for initiating simple movements and receives sensory input from muscles and skin receptors.
- The supplementary motor cortex is activated during complex movements like playing the piano, alongside the primary motor cortex and auditory association areas.
Posterior Parietal Cortex
- Plays a crucial role in integrating sensory information and guiding movement planning.
- It's involved in spatial awareness, attention, and the perception of movement.
Upper Motor Neuron Lesions
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Short-term:
- Flaccidity
- Hypotonia
- Areflexia
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Long-term:
- Loss of fine, fractionated movement
- Loss of voluntary control
- Spasticity (hyper-reflexia and hypertonia)
- Babinski sign
Lower Motor Neuron Lesions
- Flaccid paralysis
- Loss of motor control (hemiplegia, paraplegia, quadriplegia)
- Paresis (weakness/incomplete paralysis)
Cerebellar Damage
-
Symptoms:
- Ataxia (uncoordinated/inaccurate movements)
- Dysmetria (overshooting or undershooting during movement)
- Intention tremor (tremor during purposeful movement)
- Past-pointing (reaching past a target)
- Dysdiadochokinesia (difficulty performing rapid alternating movements)
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Regions:
- Cerebellar vermis (coordination of movements, posture, emotional changes)
- Vestibulocerebellum (balance, eye movements)
- Spinocerebellum (motor planning, coordination of ongoing movements)
- Cerebrocerebellum (planning and execution of complex movements)
Nerve to Mylohyoid
- Branch of the mandibular nerve (trigeminal nerve)
- Innervates the mylohyoid and anterior belly of the digastric muscles.
Glossopharyngeal Nerve
- Exits the cranium through the jugular foramen
- Innervates the stylopharyngeus muscle
- Responsible for salivation from the parotid gland via the tympanic nerve
Facial Nerve
- Innervates:
- Posterior belly of digastric
- Stapedius
- Stylohyoid
- Posterior auricular muscle (muscles of facial expression in the back of the head) and occipitalis
Thyroid Gland Arterial Supply
- The thyroid gland has an anastomosis between the superior thyroid artery (branch of external carotid) and the thyrocervical trunk (branch of the subclavian artery)
Arch Aneurysm and Head & Neck Symptoms
- Dilated pupil and "down and out" gaze: Oculomotor nerve dysfunction
- Hoarse voice: Left recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction due to compression
- Horner's Syndrome: Compression of the sympathetic chain
Corticosteroids
-
Mechanism
- Bind to intracellular receptors
- Inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes)
- Increase the synthesis of lipocortin-1 (annexin A1)
- Inhibit the binding of NF-κB to DNA, reducing pro-inflammatory responses.
Calcineurin Inhibitors
-
Mechanism
- Inhibit calcineurin, which normally activates NF-ATc
- Prevent IL-2 transcription and T-cell activation
- Bind to FKBP-12 binding proteins
mTOR Inhibitors
-
Mechanism
- Block IL-2 signal transduction
- Inhibit mTOR, which promotes cell cycle progression in T cells
Anti-Metabolites and their Targets
- Methotrexate: Folic acid synthesis (for DNA synthesis)
- Leflunomide: Pyramidine synthesis
- Cyclophosphamide: DNA synthesis
- Mycophenolate: Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), crucial for purine generation
Rutiximab (anti-CD20)
-
Mechanism
- Targets CD20+ cells
- Induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) leading to apoptosis
- Effective in treating B-cell malignancies
Basiliximab (anti-IL-2 receptor)
-
Mechanism
- Blocks IL-2 receptor
- Prevents T-cell activation
Aldesleukin (interleukin-2)
-
Mechanism
- Enhances T-cell proliferation
Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) and Nivolumab (anti-PD1)
-
Mechanism
- Block the inhibitory receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1
- Enhance and prolong existing T-cell responses
Tongue Deviation
- Deviation to the affected side when resting: Damage to the hypoglossal nerve results in weakness or paralysis of the genioglossus muscle, causing the tongue to deviate towards the affected side.
- Deviation to the unaffected side: Damage to the trigeminal nerve can lead to weakness or paralysis on one side of the jaw, causing the mandible to deviate towards the affected side.
Uvula Deviation
- Deviation towards the unaffected side: Unilateral paralysis or weakening of vagal innervation of the soft palate muscles results in the uvula pointing towards the unaffected side.
Cranial Nerves and Related Ganglia
-
Oculomotor nerve:
- Synapses with the ciliary ganglion
- Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers innervate the ciliary muscle and sphincter pupillae muscle
- Provides motor innervation to the superior, medial, and inferior rectus muscles, and the inferior oblique muscle
- Synapses with the ciliary ganglion
-
Facial nerve:
- Gives off the greater petrosal nerve, passing through the pterygoid canal to the pterygopalatine ganglion
- Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers innervate the lacrimal gland
- Provides motor innervation to muscles of facial expression
- Gives off the greater petrosal nerve, passing through the pterygoid canal to the pterygopalatine ganglion
-
Glossopharyngeal nerve:
- Gives off the tympanic nerve, which synapses in the otic ganglion
- Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers innervate the parotid gland
- Provides motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle
- Gives off the tympanic nerve, which synapses in the otic ganglion
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Description
This quiz explores key concepts regarding the neural mechanisms underlying movement control. Questions address the roles of various brain structures, including the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex, as well as the interaction between sensory feedback and motor systems. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to movement execution.