PSL300H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Rubrospinal Tract, Red Nucleus, Somatotopic Arrangement
Document Summary
There is a hierarchical level of organization of how different groups of neurons (nuclei) control motor movement. Simple reflexes: sensory neurons make synapses with spinal cord motoneurons to mediate simple reflexes: this is the simplest form of motor control (walking, breathing) Central pattern generators (cpgs): networks of interneurons in the spinal cord and brainstem coordinate the interaction of many different motor groups (locomotion, respiration) Complex/volitional movement: motor output that is planned and refined by the motor cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum (planned, voluntary movements) [the upper levels of the motor hierarchy are more interested in highly evolved, learned skills] The red nucleus is found in the midbrain first region. Rubrospinal cells within the red nucleus activate localized synergies, especially in distal limbs and in the face (e. g. , gripping and twisting movements of hands) Rubrospinal tracts coming from red nucleus to the spinal cord. Red nucleus involved in very gross movements (gripping) primitive movements that still involve distal limbs.
