Overview of Motor Systems. Types of Movements: Reflexes, Rhythmical and Voluntary Movements

One of the principal characteristics of the animal kingdom is the ability to move actively in space. Our movements are controlled by a set of motor systems that allow us to maintain posture, to move our body, head, limbs and eyes, to communicate through speech. Motor control is one of the most complex functions of the nervous system. During movement, dozens and even hundreds of muscles are contracting in a coordinated fashion. This coordination is a basis for a remarkable degree of motor skill demonstrated by dancers, tennis players and even by ordinary people when walking or writing a letter.