Motor system
Motor System
The Motor System (pronunciation: /ˈmoʊtər ˈsɪstəm/) is a complex network of neurons and neural pathways that are involved in the control and coordination of muscle movements in the body.
Etymology
The term "motor" is derived from the Latin word "motorius," meaning "moving," and the term "system" is derived from the Greek word "systēma," meaning "whole compounded of several parts or members."
Components
The motor system consists of several key components:
- Central nervous system (CNS): The CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is responsible for processing and integrating sensory information and initiating motor responses.
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS): The PNS, which includes all the nerves outside the CNS, transmits motor commands from the CNS to the muscles.
- Motor neurons: Motor neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals from the CNS to the muscles, causing them to contract.
- Muscles: Muscles are the final component of the motor system. They receive signals from the motor neurons and respond by contracting, which results in movement.
Function
The primary function of the motor system is to control voluntary and involuntary muscle movements. This includes everything from complex actions like walking and running to simple reflexes like blinking and swallowing.
Related Terms
- Motor cortex: The motor cortex is a part of the brain that is involved in planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.
- Motor unit: A motor unit is a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.
- Motor control: Motor control refers to the process by which the nervous system coordinates the muscle movements.
- Motor skills: Motor skills are the abilities required to control the muscles of the body to perform a specific action.
- Motor learning: Motor learning is the process of improving the smoothness and accuracy of movements through practice.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Motor system
- Wikipedia's article - Motor system
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