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Motor Pathways - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:23, 21 October 2011
, 14:23, 21 October 2011→Introduction
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Motor pathways carry signals from the brain to the [[Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Skeletal Muscle|skeletal muscle]] and [[Muscles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Smooth_Muscle|smooth muscle]] such as those contained in glands. The system consists of [[Spinal_Cord_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Upper_Motor_Neuron_.28UMN.29|upper]] and [[Spinal_Cord_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Lower_Motor_Neuron_.28LMN.29|lower]] motor neurones. The information provided below is primarily focussed on the motor pathways that coordinate skeletal muscle movement, i.e. motor pathways related to voluntary control of skeletal muscles.
Motor pathways carry signals from the brain to the [[Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Skeletal Muscle|skeletal muscle]] and [[Muscles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Smooth_Muscle|smooth muscle]] such as those contained in glands. The system consists of [[Spinal_Cord_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Upper_Motor_Neuron_.28UMN.29|upper]] and [[Spinal_Cord_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Lower_Motor_Neuron_.28LMN.29|lower]] motor neurones. The information provided below is primarily focussed on the motor pathways that coordinate skeletal muscle movement, i.e. motor pathways related to voluntary control of skeletal muscles.
==Motor Pathways==
The connections between the [[Forebrain_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Motor_Cortex|motor cortex]] in the forebrain and motor neurons within the spinal cord are made up of two pyramidal tracts; the '''Pyramidal System''' and the '''Extrapyramidal System'''. These motor pathways are transmitted via ventral horns within the spine. Upper motor neurones are located mainly within the neopallium of the [[Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology#Cerebellum|cerebellum]]. They govern the excitation or inhibition of lower motor neurones.
Upper motor neurones are located mainly within the neopallium of the [[Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology#Cerebellum|cerebellum]]. They govern the excitation or inhibition of lower motor neurones. Connections of upper motor neurones with lower motor neurones are grouped into two pathways.
===Pyramidal System (Corticospinal)===
===Pyramidal System (Corticospinal)===
[[Image:pyramidalsystem.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Pyramidal System © Sarah Hamilton]]
[[Image:pyramidalsystem.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Pyramidal System © Sarah Hamilton]]