Textbook Question
The synapsing of several neurons on the same postsynaptic neuron is called
(a) Serial processing
(b) Reverberation
(c) Divergence
(d) Convergence
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12. The Central Nervous System
Introduction to the Central Nervous System
Problem 12
Textbook Question
The corticospinal tract
(a) Carries motor commands from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord
(b) Carries sensory information from the spinal cord to the brain
(c) Starts in the spinal cord and ends in the brain
(d) Does all of these
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the corticospinal tract: The corticospinal tract is a major motor pathway that transmits voluntary motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord, specifically to control skeletal muscles.
Analyze option (a): This option states that the corticospinal tract carries motor commands from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. This is correct because the corticospinal tract originates in the motor cortex of the brain and terminates in the spinal cord.
Analyze option (b): This option states that the corticospinal tract carries sensory information from the spinal cord to the brain. This is incorrect because the corticospinal tract is a motor pathway, not a sensory pathway. Sensory pathways include tracts like the spinothalamic tract.
Analyze option (c): This option states that the corticospinal tract starts in the spinal cord and ends in the brain. This is incorrect because the corticospinal tract starts in the cerebral cortex (brain) and ends in the spinal cord.
Analyze option (d): This option states that the corticospinal tract does all of these. This is incorrect because the corticospinal tract does not carry sensory information or start in the spinal cord. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Corticospinal Tract Function
The corticospinal tract is a major neural pathway that transmits motor commands from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in voluntary motor control, particularly for fine movements of the limbs. Understanding its function is essential for grasping how the brain communicates with the body to execute movements.
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Functional Groups
Motor vs. Sensory Pathways
In the nervous system, motor pathways carry signals from the brain to muscles, while sensory pathways transmit information from the body to the brain. The corticospinal tract specifically serves as a motor pathway, emphasizing the distinction between these two types of neural communication. Recognizing this difference is vital for accurately interpreting the functions of various neural tracts.
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Anatomy of the Nervous System
The anatomy of the nervous system includes various structures such as the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The corticospinal tract originates in the motor cortex of the brain and descends through the brainstem and spinal cord. Familiarity with this anatomy helps in understanding how different parts of the nervous system interact to facilitate movement and sensory processing.
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