AnatomyLecture6StretchreflexThedoctorstartedby.docVIP

Anatomy Lecture 6 Stretch reflex: The doctor started by emphasizing that the stretch reflex is not a totally local mechanism i.e. the stretch reflex is affected also by the higher centers. The higher centers affect both alpha and gamma, however they affect gamma more because gamma motor neurons have a lower threshold in comparison to alpha motor neurons. The descending pathways could be divided also into inhibitory and excitatory pathways. The Pontine Reticulospinal Tract (originates from the pontine reticular formation) is an excitatory tract to both extensors and flexors but mainly extensors. This tract is also associated with the Lateral Vestibulospinal Tract (originates from Dieter’s nucleus), which means that the latter is also excitatory. The inhibitory pathways, on the other hand, originate from the medullary reticular formation i.e. the Medullary Reticulospinal Tract. NOTE: The Lateral Vestibulospinal Tract is inhibited by the cerebellum. The descending pathways (inhibitory and excitatory) are balanced, this balance is the reason we have moderate amount of muscle tone; thus the stretch reflex works normally. The following experiments are done on animals and it’s considered the same thing as an extensive infarction in the human brain. Decerebrate Rigidity: If we cut the brain stem at the level of the midbrain, above the level of the reticular formation, there will be a loss of connection between the higher centers and the brain stem. The Pontine Reticulospinal Tract is always under inhibition from higher centers (area 4S, 6 and the Caudate Nucleus of the basal ganglia) and most of our neurons are hyper-excitable. If we cut the connection, then the Pontine Reticulospinal Tract would be released from inhibition and will start firing excessive impulses to both alpha and gamma, but mainly gamma. This results in the hyperactivity of gamma which leads to the hyper-excitability of the muscle spindle. This phenomenon is known as decerebrate rigidity which means that