Tutorial 3 Subcortical areas and anatomy of reflexes

Objectives of this session: Students will be able to: Identify subcortical areas of the brain and describe basic function of each area Identify components of reflexes and differentiate between various somatic reflexes

Brainstem

1. Cranial nerve supply 2. Relay point from SC to cerebral cortex 3. Integrative functions - Respiration - CV function - Eye movement - Equilibrium responses

Thalamus

Processing from many areas (cortical and sub-cortical) Control over autonomic functions Integrative functions with brain stem

Thalamus

Receive inputs from multiple areas of the cerebral cortex

Influence movement via projection to thalamus

Basal Ganglia

Neurosurgery Correcting Movement Disorders

LIMBIC LOBE

Concerned with emotional state

Influences on motor performance

Cerebellum

Comparator receives afferent input spinal cord and compares this to commands from motor areas of cerebral cortex. Adjusts motor responses by comparing sensory signals with motor plan

Elements of reflex
Stimulus (to a receptor) Response (of muscle) Involuntary Immediate

Reflex vs Voluntary
Reflexes Voluntary movements Rhythmic movements
Reflex Most automatic/ Least controllable Rhythmic Voluntary

Least automatic/ Most controllable

Muscle spindles
Muscle length detection
Absolute Rate

Under CNS control

Modifiable response

Muscle spindle

Muscle spindle
Two types of sensory endings
Primary ending Secondary ending

Innervation
Gamma motor neurons

Monosynaptic reflex

Polysynaptic reflex synergists

Activity 1 PNF stretching

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) works on modifying the muscle spindle responses in order to increase the stretch in a muscle PNF works on a contraction-relaxation-stretch protocol - Slight variations in PNF methods but all work off this model

Break up into pairs partnered stretching of hamstrings 1. Traditional static stretch lying prone, partner takes leg and passively stretches for 30s holds relax and repeat 2 to 3 times take note of how much stretch improvements are made 2. PNF stretch lying prone, partner takes leg to point of stretch, person now contracts against that stretch for 10s. Relax leg, and return stretch (should now be further than previously) and repeat 2 to 3 times take note hof how much stretch improvements are made

Golgi tendon organ

Monitor tension
Rate and force production in muscle

Safety device
Prevent tearing of muscle Not always possible!

Golgi tendon organ

Golgi tendon organ

Reciprocal Innervation

Reciprocal activation

Adaptability of reflexes
Under normal conditions reflexes can be modified to adapt to the task and control movements in a purposeful manner

Activity 2 reflexes See worksheet and work in small groups

Kohnstamm's phenomenon
Forceful isometric contraction Provides aftermovement
Mechanisms not fully known Thought to be increase in spinal reflex activity

Control of movement reflexes

Crossed-extension reflex Flexion-withdrawal reflex Stretch reflex Deep tendon reflex

Other reflexes
Plantar reflex
Downward flexion of toes
Integrity of motor cortex and corticospinal tract

Babinskis sign
Abnormal response

Crossed-extension reflex

Crossed-extension reflex
Action in stimulated limb with opposite effect in contralateral limb
excitation of extensor muscles inhibition of flexor muscles.

Serves to enhance postural support during withdrawal of a foot from a painful stimulus.
Counteracts the increased load onto one limb

Flexion-withdrawal reflex
Mediated via polysynaptic pathways Ipsilateral excitation
Withdraw from stimulus

Contralateral excitation
Balance opposing leg

Inhibitory interneurons
Relax antagonist muscles

Flexion-withdrawal reflex
Stereotypical reflexes are subject to stimulus
Force of muscle contraction depends on stimulus
Light stimulus slightly hot stove plate Extreme stimulus very hot stove plate

Duration of reflex increases with stimulus intensity

Evoked contractions always outlast stimulus

Deep tendon reflex