Spinal Mechanisms for Sensorimotor Integration
Spinal Mechanisms for Sensorimotor Integration | Overview
We introduce Module 2: “Sensory Systems & Spinal Mechanisms for Sensorimotor Integration” by a counterintuitive notion, namely that the brain evolved, not to think or feel, but to control movement. We take a look at the functional organization of the somatosensory system and show that the sense of touch and proprioception are fundamental to human existence. Touch orients us to our internal and external worlds by providing the interface through which we experience what we are sensing. Proprioceptive afferents are essential components of the simplest neural circuits that are capable of generating behavior: spinal reflex circuits.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- Identify the gross anatomic structures of the spinal cord and explain their functions
- Recognize major internal structures of the spinal cord and describe their functions
- List the major modalities of somatosensation
- Explain the three-neuron organization for somatic sensation
- Describe the neural pathways of conscious and unconscious proprioception
- Outline disorders of somatosensation
- Solve clinical problems by relating somatosensory disorders to plausible lesion sites
- Outline the methods and stimuli for assessing somatic sensation
- Describe the motor functions of the spinal cord
- Discuss the importance of the motor unit in control of movement
- Outline the functions of the major ascending and descending spinal tracts
- Explain the role of muscle spindles in reflexive motor functions
- Explain the physiology of basic spinal reflexes
- Discuss motor neuron disease and motor deficits resulting from spinal cord lesions
