PSL300H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 28: Reciprocal Inhibition, Motor Neuron, Negative Feedback
Document Summary
Locomotion: arm swings + upper body balance, head angles while walking, postural maintenance. Located principally in the spinal cord and in brain stem (also hypothalamus) Often, these are activated in order of relevance. Often, very important in behavioural responses as well. Step cycle of each leg during walking is programmed by network of neurons within the intermediate zone of the lumbar cord. Below diagram looks at only one leg --> swing phase and stance phase. There are 2 cpgs per leg - flexion and extension. Pacemaker neurons, diffuse excitation (will be on and off) Because of the regularity of walking - repeated motion. You initiate the motion, but after, it is regular and repeated. When one program is running, the other one is inhibited. You can"t have both flexion and extension at the same time. Both spontaneously active when not inhibited, which is not good. Human walking is relatively economical in metabolic energy.
