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Spinal Cord - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 20:45, 12 July 2011
, 20:45, 12 July 2011→Function
The upper motor neuron comprises the motor system of the CNS. This is responsible for; Initiating voluntary movement and maintenance of tone and posture. In man, direct connections exist between neurons in the motor cortex and LMNs in the spinal cord. This is known as the "pyramidal system".
The upper motor neuron comprises the motor system of the CNS. This is responsible for; Initiating voluntary movement and maintenance of tone and posture. In man, direct connections exist between neurons in the motor cortex and LMNs in the spinal cord. This is known as the "pyramidal system".
In animals, there are scattered groups of interconnected neurons in the cortex and brainstem, which ultimately synapse with LMNs in the brainstem and spinal cord. This is called the "extrapyramidal system". UMN injury results in increased extensor tone, giving; Stiffness, spasticity, delay in the onset of protraction, and a longer stride, disinhibition of the LMN relfex ability, causing increased reflexes, the inability to stimulate the LMN and UMN weakness results.
In animals, there are scattered groups of interconnected neurons in the cortex and brainstem, which ultimately synapse with LMNs in the brainstem and spinal cord. This is called the "extrapyramidal system". UMN injury results in increased extensor tone, giving; Stiffness, spasticity, delay in the onset of protraction, and a longer stride, disinhibition of the LMN relfex ability, causing increased reflexes, the inability to stimulate the LMN and UMN weakness results.
===Sensory Pathways===
The spinal cord contains a number of sensory (ascending) pathways or tracts contained within the white mater. These pathways allow sensory information such as pain, touch, temperature or kinaesthesia (concious proprioception) to be passed to through the spinal cord and on to higher levels of the brain.
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For more detailed information regarding these pathways, please see [[Sensory_Pathways_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Spinal Sensory Pathways]].
==Vasculature==
==Vasculature==