Sherrington (1947) surgically disconnected spinal motor neurons from cortical and subcortical motor centers in laboratory animals. Which of the following statements is true about the subsequent motor behavior of these animals?
A)The animals could still generate voluntary movements, but reflexive responses were disrupted.
B)Reflexive responses were intact, but complex voluntary movements were disrupted.
C)The animals showed normal motor function as long as sensory inputs from the dorsal root were also severed.
D)The animals became completely motionless and unresponsive to stimulation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sherrington's experiment showed that animals with disconnected spinal motor neurons could still generate reflexive responses, but complex voluntary movements were disrupted. This suggests that the spinal cord can generate simple movements without input from higher brain centers, but more complex movements require coordination between the spinal cord and higher brain centers. Option A is incorrect as reflexive responses were intact. Option C is also incorrect as sensory inputs from the dorsal root were not mentioned in the experiment. Option D is incorrect as the animals were still able to generate some movements.

Sherrington (1947) Surgically Disconnected Spinal Motor Neurons from Cortical and Subcortical