The neural circuitry of the spinal cord is capable of solving some of the most complex problems in motor control. Therefore, spinal mechanisms are much more sophisticated than many neuroscientists give them credit for. A key issue in motor control is how sensory inputs direct and inform motor output, - that is, the sensorimotor process. Other major issues involve the actual control of the motor apparatus. In general, there are at least three basic requirements for motor control: the transformations that map information from sensory to motor coordinates, the specification of individual muscle activations to achieve a kinematic goal, and the control of multiple degrees of freedom. Here, we make the case that the vertebrate spinal cord has the capacity to solve each of these problems to a degree that is relevant for normal behavior.

Poppele, R., Bosco, G. (2003). Sophisticated spinal contributions to motor control. TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES, 26(5), 269-276 [10.1016/S0166-2236(03)00073-0].

Sophisticated spinal contributions to motor control

BOSCO, GIANFRANCO
2003-01-01

Abstract

The neural circuitry of the spinal cord is capable of solving some of the most complex problems in motor control. Therefore, spinal mechanisms are much more sophisticated than many neuroscientists give them credit for. A key issue in motor control is how sensory inputs direct and inform motor output, - that is, the sensorimotor process. Other major issues involve the actual control of the motor apparatus. In general, there are at least three basic requirements for motor control: the transformations that map information from sensory to motor coordinates, the specification of individual muscle activations to achieve a kinematic goal, and the control of multiple degrees of freedom. Here, we make the case that the vertebrate spinal cord has the capacity to solve each of these problems to a degree that is relevant for normal behavior.
2003
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Sì, ma tipo non specificato
Settore BIO/09 - FISIOLOGIA
English
behavior; dynamics; locomotion; motor control; motor performance; muscle contraction; nerve function; nerve stimulation; nonhuman; priority journal; review; sensorimotor function; spinal cord; Animals; Biomechanics; Motor Activity; Motor Neurons; Muscles; Nerve Net; Psychomotor Performance; Spinal Cord
Poppele, R., Bosco, G. (2003). Sophisticated spinal contributions to motor control. TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES, 26(5), 269-276 [10.1016/S0166-2236(03)00073-0].
Poppele, R; Bosco, G
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/49817
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