Motoneurons and Motor Pathways

Abstract

The sensory systems create our mental images of the external world. These representations provide us with information and cues that guide the motor systems to generate movements produced by the coordinated contractions and relaxations. The motor systems are hierarchically organized in the central nervous system (CNS) as the spinal neuronal circuits that control the automatic stereotypic reflexes (Chap. 8). Higher centers in the brainstem mediate postural controlled and rhythmic locomotor movements. The highest centers, including the motor areas of the cerebral cortex, initiate and regulate complex skilled voluntary movements.