Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Mnemonic

Upper Motor Neuron and Lower Motor Neuron is an important concept in medicine.
If you find it tricky and confusing to remember these, worry not!
We have some awesome mnemonics to help!

  • Upper motor neurons (UMNs), which originate from the primary motor cortex of the cerebrum (precentral gyrus) and possess long axons forming corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts.
  • Lower motor neurons (LMNs), which originate in the brainstem (cranial nerve motor nuclei) and spinal cord (anterior horn cells) and directly innervate skeletal muscles.

    There is a simple mnemonic to help remember signs of LMN lesions;
  • “You have to get Down Low to get to the Lower Motor Neuron” → reflexes and muscle strength are Low, Down-going plantar reflex.

  • Extrapyramidal motor activities result in automatic movement and static, postural movement activities that are not noticeable. The extrapyramidal system includes theorized connections within the basal ganglia, the striatopallidonigral system, and other structures of the central nervous system that contribute to the regulation of movement, including related brainstem nuclei and the cerebellum.

Memorize the features of extrapyramidal lesion by using the following mnemonic:

  • “Pyramids are rigid & strong” → rigidity and no muscle weakness

Hope that mnemonic helped. Got a better mnemonic for the same? Let us know in the comments below.
Also check out these medical mnemonics

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