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extrapyramidal tract

a motor portion of the central nervous system that includes the basal ganglia and some closely related structures (e.g., the subthalamic nucleus) and descending pathways to the midbrain. It regulates muscle tone and body posture and coordinates opposing sets of skeletal muscles and movement of their associated skeletal parts. Also called extrapyramidal motor system; extrapyramidal system.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

imaging

imaging

n.

1. the process of scanning the brain or other organs or tissues to obtain an optical image that can be used for medical and research purposes, such as locating abnormalities or studying anatomy and function. Techniques used include computed tomography, positron emission tomography (PET), anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The imaging may be either static or dynamic. See also brain imaging; nuclear imaging.

2. in therapy, the use of suggested mental images to control body function, including the easing of pain. See also imagery technique; visualization.