Movement

Perhaps the simplest and most fundamental movements are reflexes. These are relatively fixed, automatic muscle responses to particular stimuli, such as the slight extension of the leg when a physician taps the knee with a small rubber hammer.

Networks of spinal neurons also participate in controlling the alternating action of the legs during normal walking, maintaining posture, and, to a large degree, in all movements.

This interactive web resource has articles with photos and demonstrations about how the brain processes information from our bodies, generates thoughts and emotions, stores and recalls memories, and controls movement. Also, watch a video about how scientists store and use donated brain tissue.

Beginning in the 1940s, Canadian brain surgeon Wilder Penfield mapped the brain's motor cortex -- the area that controls the movement of your body's muscles. Now you can relive his exploration of the brain.

Glial cells provide insulation for nerve cells and help them communicate with one another. Using mouse muscle nerves, scientists studied the role of specific proteins in the growth of these cells.