upper motor neuron

upper motor neuron

n.

A motor neuron whose cell body is located in the motor area of the cerebral cortex and whose processes connect with motor nuclei in the brainstem or the anterior horn of the spinal cord.

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upper

cranial; oral; rostral.

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upper airway

upper respiratory tract. See also airway.

upper burner syndrome

in acupuncture terminology a chronic lung condition caused by an attack by a pathogen.

upper motor neuron

motor nerve pathway originating in the brain and terminating at a peripheral motor neuron. Damage to this pathway releases the peripheral nerve from central control. See also upper motor neuron.

upper respiratory tract (URT)

comprises the nasal cavities, pharynx and larynx. Some anatomists also include the upper segments of the bronchial tree. Inflammation of the URT is common to all species. It is usually caused by infection, most commonly viral, producing a syndrome of frequent, dry cough, serous or mucoid nasal discharge and pain on manual compression of the laynx, pharynx and trachea. It is a common precursor to more serious disease involving the lower respirtory tract.

upper respiratory tract virus disease

see Table 8.2.