| Define voluntary movement | Voluntary movements are consciously coordinated thoughts that are generated into action: Reflexive – can be carried out automatically without conscious control, and even with descending command signals disconnected. Rhythmic – can be performed without conscious voluntary control of all aspects of the movement, but subject to modification by feedback or voluntary commands, e.g., walking, breathing. Voluntary – Voluntary movements are goal-directed and improve with practice as a result of feedback and feedforward mechanisms. |
| How is voluntary movement controlled by the Central Nervous System? | Neurons in the motor cortex, the region of the brain that controls voluntary movement through: Cerebral cortex and descending pathways - receive input |
| Define Somatotopy | Somatotopy is the mapping of the body's surface sensations onto a structure of the brain |
| Explain somatotopic organisation of the Nervous System | Sensory pathways use the information carried by a number of anatomically distinct pathways, where each part of the pathway projects in an orderly fashion, creating topographic maps. |
| What is the difference between Somatosensory Cortex and Posteriori Parietal Cortex? | Somatosensory Cortex – provides sensory information required for specific planning, initiation and ongoing movement. Posterior parietal cortex – encodes complex sensory information (visual, auditory or somatosensory) to ensure planned movement is matched to the external environment. |
| Define Phantom Limb Sensation | Phantom limb sensation is a condition where sensory neurons can adapt due to amputation. |
| Describe the role of sensory and motor cortical areas in movement control | Primary motor cortex (M1, area 4) – controls simple features of movement Premotor cortex (area 6 lateral) – involved with planning and coordination of movement in response to sensory outputs and important for multi-joint coordination Supplementary motor area (area 6 medial) – active during the planning of coordinating of internally guided movements and involved in bimanual coordination. Voluntary movements are organised in the cortex, where the primary motor cortex controls simple features of movement The premotor and supplementary motor areas are involved in planning complex movements |
| Define the process of plasticity | The connections in the brain can be modified by experience or injury |
