Unraveling the Brain's Motor Network: How Key Regions Work Together to Plan, Execute, and Refine Movement

By SWA

Brain in motor neuron controlThis diagram illustrates key brain regions involved in motor control, decision-making, and sensory integration. Here's an explanation of each labeled area and its primary function:

1. Pre-SMA (Pre-Supplementary Motor Area)

  • Involved in higher-order motor planning and decision-making. It helps in selecting and preparing voluntary movements before execution.

2. SMA (Supplementary Motor Area)

  • Plays a key role in planning complex movements, coordinating movements that involve both sides of the body, and sequencing motor actions.

3. PMd (Dorsal Premotor Cortex)

  • Essential for planning and selecting goal-directed movements based on external sensory cues, particularly visual ones. It helps translate sensory input into motor actions.

4. PMv (Ventral Premotor Cortex)

  • Specializes in motor planning and execution, especially movements involving hand-object interactions, such as grasping.

5. M1 (Primary Motor Cortex)

  • Responsible for executing voluntary movements by sending signals to the spinal cord and muscles. Each region of the M1 corresponds to specific body parts.

6. S1 (Primary Somatosensory Cortex)

  • Processes sensory input from the body, such as touch, pressure, and proprioception (sense of body position). This information is crucial for guiding movement.

7. PPC (Posterior Parietal Cortex)

  • Integrates sensory information (like vision, touch, and proprioception) to guide movements. It helps in spatial awareness, movement planning, and coordination.

8. PFC (Prefrontal Cortex)

  • Involved in decision-making, attention, problem-solving, and working memory. The PFC integrates sensory and motor information for higher-order decision-making.

9. Basal Ganglia

  • A group of subcortical nuclei involved in motor control, motor learning, and habit formation. It helps initiate voluntary movements and inhibits unnecessary or conflicting movements.

10. Hippocampus

  • Crucial for memory formation, spatial navigation, and learning. It also contributes indirectly to motor tasks that require memory, such as recalling sequences of movements.

11. Cerebellum

  • Coordinates fine motor control, balance, and posture. It ensures smooth and accurate movements by comparing intended actions with actual performance and adjusting accordingly.

Summary

  • These regions work together as part of a complex network, integrating sensory inputs, forming motor plans, and executing movements. For example:
    • The PFC sets goals and decisions.
    • The SMA and Premotor Cortex plan the movements.
    • The Primary Motor Cortex executes the movements.
    • The Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum fine-tune motor execution and learning.

 

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Toxic Skin Condition Post-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

By SWA
Image
Identifying Severe Skin Conditions Post-Vaccination Following administration of the BioNTech mRNA vaccine, a small subset of individuals may develop severe and complex reactions. These reactions are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood due to their rarity and diverse presentation. This essay examines a case characterized by severe skin conditions, systemic symptoms, and complications such as hypercalcemia and crystal formation. It highlights the need for accurate diagnosis, holistic management, and increased awareness of these rare but significant vaccine-related adverse events. Initial Symptoms and Misdiagnoses Severe symptoms began shortly after the first dose of the BioNTech vaccine, initially presenting as petechiae, diagnosed by a rheumatologist. However, following the second dose, symptoms rapidly escalated, resulting in intense burning pain and thinning of the skin. The skin on the legs and thighs became paper-thin and could tear with the slightest touch, with the affected area e...
Read more

Dysferlin Protein: Key Roles, Genetic Locations

By SWA
Image
The purpose of this article is to share and discuss the details of a new discovery, which is highlighted within: CRISPR-Cas9: A Breakthrough Tool to Repair the DYSF Gene The dysferlin protein plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of muscle cell membranes, particularly in tissues that endure significant mechanical stress, such as skeletal and cardiac muscles . Encoded by the DYSF gene , dysferlin is indispensable for repairing damaged cell membranes after injury caused by muscle contraction or external forces. This article explores the main locations where dysferlin is produced, its role in muscle repair, and supportive nutritional and therapeutic strategies for individuals with dysferlin deficiency, such as those affected by dysferlinopathies (e.g., Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B or Miyoshi Myopathy). Currently, there is no definitive answer as to why the severity of dysferlin protein expression or depletion varies. Do pathogens play a role in the methylation o...
Read more

Is ME CFS connected to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) or Post Polio?

By SWA
Image
Today, I understand why Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) received little attention, particularly in the mid-50s. This complex and debilitating genetic illness was poorly understood, and patients' symptoms were often minimized or even dismissed. For more information, please visit the Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) page on MalaCards . Even now, many neurologists lack detailed knowledge of SMA, and comprehensive examinations mentioned in research are rarely pursued. In 2008, while investigating permanent adrenal insufficiency, an MRI ordered by my endocrinologist unexpectedly revealed Chiari Malformation II. However, surgery in 2009 brought no improvement. In 2010, a DNA test showed a genetic marker in the ACTN3 gene: https://www.malacards.org/search/results?q=ACTN3%20gene%20and%20Spinal%20Muscular%20Atrophy%20(SMA) A 2015 MRI revealed ankylosing spondylitis, multiple Tarlov cysts, stenosis at L4 and L5, spinal canal narrowing, and widespread degenerative changes. Surgery on L4 and L5 ...
Read more