Gce Model Questions Vol1 2023 Biology Question 8

Practice essay / theory question 8 from the 2023 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers Coordination, Neural pathways, Motor control, Reflexes, Cerebellar function, Rehabilitation .

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2023 Biology Essay / Theory
Topics: Coordination Neural pathways Motor control Reflexes Cerebellar function Rehabilitation
Question 8 GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2023 • BIOLOGY • essay

A 42‑year‑old male suffers a traumatic spinal cord injury at the T12 vertebral level. He retains voluntary movement of the upper limbs, has loss of voluntary movement in the lower limbs, but the patellar (knee‑jerk) reflex remains present.

Question Parts

( a )
Outline the complete neural pathway that conveys a voluntary motor command from the primary motor cortex to a skeletal muscle of the lower limb.
( b )
Describe the monosynaptic reflex arc that mediates the patellar (knee‑jerk) reflex and explain why this reflex can still be elicited after a T12 lesion.
( c )
Discuss the role of the cerebellum in the coordination of walking and predict the gait abnormalities that would result from a lesion affecting the cerebellar vermis.
( d )
Propose two physiotherapy techniques that could improve functional coordination in this patient and justify how each technique exploits neuro‑plasticity.

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About This Question

This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2023 Biology Question 8. It is one of the essay questions from the 2023 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers Coordination, Neural pathways, Motor control, Reflexes, Cerebellar function, Rehabilitation .

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