11.1 General characteristics of movement
11.2 Somatosensory system
11.3 Spinal mechanisms of movement regulation
11.4 Brainstem role in movement regulation
11.5 Role of the cerebellum in movement regulation
11.6 Role of basal ganglia in movement regulation
11.7 Role of the thalamus in movement regulation
11.8 Cortical regulation of movement
11.9 General scheme of the organization of purposeful movements
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Components of motor actions. Motor actions can be divided into three main components: motor, autonomic and sensory.
The motor component includes tonic and phasic contractions. Tonic contractions are carried out by slow motor units, they are responsible for posture and maintaining the balance. These are mainly controlled by axial and appendicular muscles. Phasic contractions are carried out by fast motor units, they enable the movement of the body and its parts. They are performed by distal musculature.
The autonomic component is carried out through unconditioned and conditioned reflex mechanisms; it provides the level of blood flow and energy required by skeletal muscles.
The sensory component is provided by the somato-sensory system. It continuously provides information about the state of the musculoskeletal system and the body's position in space, which are used to regulate movement (sensory movement correction). Other sensory systems are also involved in regulating movement: visual, vestibular, tactile, pain, etc.
11.1. General characteristics of movement
The physiological role of movement is realized through movements of various degrees of
complexity: from elementary somatic unconditioned reflexes to the motor components of social forms of behavior. ("Life requires movement." Aristotle).