muscle control/postural reflexes

PROPRIOCEPTION 

knowledge of where our limbs are in space and how they are moving

KINAESTHESIA 

knowledge of specific movement 

1) activation of the fusimotor gamma system (change in sensitivity to spindles by motor neurons)

2)alteration of the alpha motor neuron excitability 

3)alteration of the amount of neurotransmitter released by Ia II afferents 

Made up of 1) otolith organs + 2) semi-circular canals 

• at the base of the canals is a swelling called the ampulla, where the sensory organ is present 
• ampulla has a nerve with hair cells, which extend up into a gel substance the cupula 
• canal full of fluid called the endolymph 
• as the head is rotated, the canal rotates with it 
• endolymph doesnt initially move and pushes against the cupula causing hair distortion 
• distrotion causes a change in firing 
• if rotation is maintained endolmphy begins to move and then catches up to speed of movements of the head 
• endolymph then moves and catches up to the speed of movements of the head and no longer pushees against the cupula 
• response is due to acceleration not movement 

Made up of 1) otolith organs + 2) semi-circular canals 

• at the base of the canals is a swelling called the ampulla, where the sensory organ is present 
• ampulla has a nerve with hair cells, which extend up into a gel substance the cupula 
• canal full of fluid called the endolymph 
• as the head is rotated, the canal rotates with it 
• endolymph doesnt initially move and pushes against the cupula causing hair distortion 
• distrotion causes a change in firing 
• if rotation is maintained endolmphy begins to move and then catches up to speed of movements of the head 
• endolymph then moves and catches up to the speed of movements of the head and no longer pushees against the cupula 
• response is due to acceleration not movement