Functional dispositions of the spinal stepping generators and their half-centres.
This review paper considers how the functions of the spinal stepping generators are related to the velocity of the signals reaching them from the supraspinal driving centre. In addition it is discussed that the actions of the two half-centres are related to their anatomic dispositions: it is suggested that the conduction velocity of signals reaching the lumbosacral generators from the driving centre may be greater than the velocity of conduction to the cervical generators from the same source. Also, the half-centre controlling the flexor muscles of gait may be more rostrally placed than the adjacent half-centre for the extensor muscles.
Eke-Okoro
S T
ST
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*