Brain control of motor functions - CNS control of motor functions - Primary Motor Cortex

4 important questions on Brain control of motor functions - CNS control of motor functions - Primary Motor Cortex

In which gyrus is the primary motor cortex located?
what does the PMC have conscious control of?
what are PMC's pyramidal cells? What tract do they form?

Located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe
Conscious control of precise, skilled, voluntary movements
Large neurons w/extremely long axons that project to the spinal cord form corticospinal tracts.

Why do the hands and face have larger motor areas than the rest of the body?

they have a high density of motor innervations, and therefore are served by larger motor areas in the primary motor cortex's homunculus

Of the decending corticospinal tracts name the one that is in charge of distal limb musculature?

name the one that is in charge of axial muscles concerned with posture, balance and equilibrium.

Lateral corticospinal tract, controls distal limb muscles enabling voluntary precise, skilled movements
anterial corticospinal tract, controls axial muscles for posture, balance & equilibrium
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Sailabus

Which decending tracts receive inputs from brainstem UMNs and which receive inputs from the motor cortex

inputs from the motor cortex = lateral corticospinal tracts
inputs from brainstem UMNs = medial corticospinal tracts

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo