Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement (Coursera)

In this course you will learn how generation of the activation signals required for movement can involve different parts of the nervous system. The discussion begins with the simplest neural pathways, those involving reflexes. Despite the simplicity of these pathways, the responses they produce depend on the context in which they are activated. The second type of movement to be considered will be the automatic behaviors produced by rhythmic activation signals. You will learn that these signals are constrained by the biomechanical requirements for the movement, they are modulated by the information received by the central nervous system from sensory receptors, and they are controlled by different parts of the brain.
By the end of this course, you will have gained a solid understanding of the neural pathways that underlie reflexes, locomotion, and intentional actions. You will appreciate the remarkable complexity and organization of our nervous system, and how it enables us to interact with the world around us. Whether you are interested in sports science, rehabilitation, or neurology, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel.

What you'll learn

• To evaluate the role of sensory feedback in the performance of movement.
• To differentiate the neural networks that generate reflexes, automatic behaviors, and voluntary actions.

Syllabus

Spinal Reflexes
In first module for this course you will learn how generation of the activation signals required for movement can involve different parts of the nervous system. The discussion begins with the simplest neural pathways: those involving reflexes.

Modulation of Reflex Pathways
The second module of this course establishes that despite the simplicity of the spinal reflex pathways, the responses can be modulated across conditions and by training interventions.

Locomotor Rhythms
The third module of this course explains how the central nervous system generates automatic behaviors, such as locomotion. These behaviors are produced by rhythmic activation signals. You will learn that these signals are constrained by the biomechanical requirements for the movement. They are modulated by the information received by the central nervous system from sensory receptors, and they are controlled by different parts of the brain.

Control of Locomotion
The final module explains that although the locomotor rhythm is produced by networks in the spinal cord, these networks are activated and modulated by inputs from peripheral sensory receptors and descending pathways from supraspinal centers.