Studies Identify Spinal Cord Neurons that Control Skilled Limb Movement

Findings from two recent studies, published in separate issues of Nature, identified two types of neurons that enable the spinal cord to control skilled forelimb movement. The first is a group of excitatory interneurons that are needed to make accurate and precise movements; the second is a group of inhibitory interneurons necessary for achieving smooth movement of the limbs. “We take for granted many motor behaviors, such as catching a ball or flipping a coin, that in fact require considerable planning and precision,” said a senior author of the study. “While such motor acts seems effortless, they depend on intricate and carefully orchestrated communication between neural networks that connect the brain to the spinal cord and muscles.” To read more about this study, click here.