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THE UPPER MOTOR NEURON

The upper motor neuron has its cell (Betz,s cell) in the area of the cerebrum. The axons pass
through the internal capsule, pons and medulla. In the spinal cord, they form the lateral
corticospinal tract of white matter and the fibers terminate in close association with the cells of
the lower motor neuron.
The axons of most upper motor neurons decussate (intersect) either in the medulla or in-the
spinal cord just before they terminate.

Upper motor neurons (UMN) are responsible for conveying impulses for voluntary motor
activity through descending motor pathways that make up the upper motor neurons.
UMN send fibers to the LMN, and that exert direct or indirect supra nuclear control over the
LMN of the cranial and spinal nerves..
Axons from the cortical areas form the cortico spinal and corticobulbar tracts.
1/3 from primary motor cortex (Betzs cell axons -3-5%, and other 95% from small
neurons)
1/3 from the somatic sensory cortex (areas 1, 2, and 3), and
adjacent temporal lobe region.
Upper motor neuron control lower motor neuron through two different pathways
Pyramidal tract
Extra pyramidal tract
PYRAMIDAL TRACTS
corticospinal tract
EXTRAPYRAMIDAL TRACTS-
Reticulospinal
Olivospinal
Vestibulospinal
Tectospinal
Rubrospinal tract
Corticobulbar tract
Corticorubral tract


UMN
Maintenance of posture and balance, the co-ordination of muscle movement and the control of
muscle tone.
Spinal reflexes-- A reflex action is an immediate motor response to a sensory stimulus.
Many connector and motor neurons may be stimulated by afferent impulses from a small area of
skin, e.g., the pain impulses initiated by touching a very hot surface with the finger are
transmitted to the spinal cord by sensory nerves. These stimulate many connector and lower
motor neurons in the cord which results in the contraction of many skeletal.
Reflex Composed of three elements:
1. Sensory neurons
2. Connector neurons in the spinal cord and
3. Lower motor neuron
UPPER MOTOR NEURON LESION
Loss of dexterity, voluntary skillful movements. (corticospinal)
Babinski sign(corticospinal)
Loss of superficial reflex (corticospinal)
weakness with no muscle atrophy
Spasticity is hallmark of the UMN disease. Spasticity is a state of sustained increase in
muscle tension in response to muscle lengthening, in particular, with passive movements.
Hyperreflexia. deep tendon reflex
Pseudobulbar palsy is feature of the UMN disorder

PSEUDOBULBAR PALSY
Results from an upper motor neuron lesion to the corticobulbar pathways in the
pyramidal tract.
It results from bilateral lesion of UMNs of the muscles of the tongue (XII), face (VII),
speech and swallowing (IX,X).
Individuals with pseudo bulbar palsy also demonstrate inappropriate emotional sudden
occurrence.

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