Motor Control, Reflexes, & UMN/LMN Signs
Compare the two types of stretch-related responses examined in clinical practice: the phasic stretch reflex and the tonic stretch response
A phasic stretch reflex is a brief contraction from a rapid tendon tap, while a tonic stretch response is sustained muscle activity held throughout a prolonged stretch.
Which incomplete spinal cord syndrome causes more weakness in the arms than in the legs?
What is central cord syndrome?
Which spinal nerve roots make up the brachial plexus?
What are C5 through T1?
Where in the brain does the DCML pathway send sensory information?
What is the primary somatosensory cortex?
Why do OTs study sensory pathways?
To guide clinical reasoning: Understanding sensory pathway function helps occupational therapists interpret examination findings and anticipate functional challenges
Which type of stretch response involves sustained muscle activity held during a prolonged stretch following UMN damage?
What is a tonic stretch response?
Which syndrome from a half-cord injury causes same-side motor loss and opposite-side pain/temp loss?
What is Brown-Séquard syndrome?
Which upper-extremity myotome level controls wrist extension?
What is C6?
This pathway has a different crossing pattern, and carries Crude touch and pressure
What is the Anterior Spinocerebellar Tract?
Which sensory modality carried by the DCML path helps you identify objects in your hands without looking?
What is discriminative (fine) touch / pressure?
Name two classic "gain of function" neurological signs that involve involuntary muscle contractions or movements triggered by stretching or stimulation, such as clonus and the Babinski sign.
What are clonus and the Babinski sign (or hyperreflexia/spasticity)?
Which syndrome causes motor, pain, and temp loss, but leaves touch and proprioception intact?
What is anterior cord syndrome?
Which upper-extremity myotome level controls Finger Flexion
What is C8?
Provides the cerebellum with lower-body proprioceptive information on the same side, and carries pain and temperature
What is the posterior spinocerebellar tracts?
What sensory loss causes a client to look down at their feet constantly while walking to keep their balance?
What is conscious proprioception?
Name three distinct clinical signs associated with upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction that reflect exaggerated motor or reflex activity (excluding simple weakness).
What are hyperreflexia, spasticity, clonus, the Babinski sign, or the clasp-knife response?
Cauda equina syndrome causes lower motor neuron (LMN) deficits in which body region?
What is the saddle / perineal region?
What nerve condition causes sensory loss bilaterally in a "stocking-glove" pattern?
What is polyneuropathy?
Where do the cuneocerebellar and rostral spinocerebellar tracts send upper-body info?
What is the cerebellum?
Which protective sensations carried by the lateral spinothalamic tract?
What are pain and temperature?
What kind of motor synergy features stereotyped, coupled activation that limits selective movement (such as involuntary elbow flexion when trying to reach)?
What is an abnormal synergy?
What is the difference between LMN signs at the injury level vs. UMN signs below it?
What is segmental vs. long-tract dysfunction?
What are the 5 anatomical sections of the brachial plexus in order from start to end?
What are roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and branches?
What main motor function do medial descending motor systems control?
What is postural control and balance?
Unconscious proprioception going to the cerebellum helps control balance, posture, and what else?
What is movement coordination?