Combining modules for movement

Abstract We review experiments supporting the hypothesis that the vertebrate motor system produces movements by combining a small number of units of motor output. Using a variety of approaches such as microstimulation of the spinal cord, NMDA iontophoresis, and an examination of natural behaviors in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain Research Reviews Vol. 57; no. 1; pp. 125 - 133
Main Authors: Bizzi, E, Cheung, V.C.K, d'Avella, A, Saltiel, P, Tresch, M
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2008
Subjects:
Animals
Anura
Factorization algorithms
Modular organization
Movement - physiology
Muscle Denervation
Muscle synergies
Muscle, Skeletal - innervation
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Neural Pathways - physiology
Neurology
Spinal cord
Spinal Cord - cytology
Spinal Cord - physiology
Vertebrates - physiology
Spinal cord
Factorization algorithms
Modular organization
Muscle synergies
ISSN:0165-0173, 1872-6321
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Abstract We review experiments supporting the hypothesis that the vertebrate motor system produces movements by combining a small number of units of motor output. Using a variety of approaches such as microstimulation of the spinal cord, NMDA iontophoresis, and an examination of natural behaviors in intact and deafferented animals we have provided evidence for a modular organization of the spinal cord. A module is a functional unit in the spinal cord that generates a specific motor output by imposing a specific pattern of muscle activation. Such an organization might help to simplify the production of movements by reducing the degrees of freedom that need to be specified.
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ISSN:0165-0173
1872-6321
DOI:10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.08.004