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Forebrain - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 12:49, 13 March 2011
, 12:49, 13 March 2011→Motor Cortex
====Motor Cortex====
====Motor Cortex====
The ''motor cortex'' areas of the brain are located in both hemispheres of the cortex and are shaped like a pair of headphones stretching from ear to ear. The motor areas are related to controlling voluntary movements, especially fine movements.
The ''motor cortex'' areas of the brain are located in both hemispheres of the cortex and are shaped like a pair of headphones stretching from ear to ear. The motor areas are related to controlling voluntary movements, especially fine movements. There are two main types of connection between the motor cortex and motor neurones found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord; the ''Pyramidal tracts'' and the ''Extrapyramidal tracts''.
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Pyramidal tract connections are direct with no synapses in the brain stem. Axons pass through the ventral aspect of the medulla oblongata. The extrapyramidal tracts pass through the medulla oblongata outside the ventral pyramidal tracts and have synapses within the brain stem nuclei. These synapses make it possible for signals travelling down the extrapyramidal horns to be influenced by other areas of the brain including the cerebrum.
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The pyramidal tracts are responsible for aspects of fine motor skills that require a degree of conscious thought and concentration. The extrapyramidal tracts are generally responsible for activation of larger muscle groups and often work in a coordinated manner to achieve smooth synchronous movements.
====Limbic System====
====Limbic System====