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Motor Pathways - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 15:23, 21 October 2011
, 15:23, 21 October 2011→Extrapyramidal System
===Extrapyramidal System===
===Extrapyramidal System===
[[Image:Extrapyramidal system.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Extrapyramidal System © Sarah Hamilton]]
[[Image:Extrapyramidal system.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Extrapyramidal System © Sarah Hamilton]]
The extrapyramidal system represents part of the motor pathways that has synapses within the brain stem which is in contrast to those of the pyramidal system. The extrapyramidal tract is distinguishable from the pyramidal system as tracts do not run within the pyramids of the [[Hindbrain_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Medulla_Oblongata|medulla oblongata]] and instead run outside. These synapses within the brain stem make it possible for the for motor neurone signals to be influenced as they enter the ventral horn of the spinal cord. The [[Hindbrain_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Cerebellum_Structure_.26_Function|cerebellum]] utilises this influence to ensure that movements are smooth and coordinated.
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It is thought that the extrapyramidal system represents an earlier evolutionary development than the pyramidal system and therefore is more often a feature of animals less able to perform complex movements. It is the most important system in domestic species.
*More complex than the pyramidal system as involves various multisynaptic pathways that relay within several nuclei in the brain.
*More complex than the pyramidal system as involves various multisynaptic pathways that relay within several nuclei in the brain.
**Nuclei are dispersed from the telencephalon to the [[Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology#Medulla Oblongata|medulla oblongata]] and may be visible grossly.
**Nuclei are dispersed from the telencephalon to the [[Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology#Medulla Oblongata|medulla oblongata]] and may be visible grossly.