How neuromuscular control of movement works

Although exercising is a very common action, it involves many organs, especially it is controlled by the nerves. This is the case no matter what kind of exercise we do in normal times. It is also a conditioned reflex function of human beings and plays a decisive role. So, how does neuromuscular control movement work? Let’s introduce it together below.

Using an experimental model to explain the process of neuromuscular contraction, it can be described as follows:

1. Signal afferent: The stimulus signal reaches the central nervous system through afferent nerves in the form of bioelectricity;

2. Signal transmission: The central nervous system integrates stimulation signals and transmits them to the periphery in the form of bioelectricity through efferent nerves.

3. Excitation-contraction coupling: The nerve signals transmitted from the central nervous system cannot directly cause muscle contraction, but require an "electrochemical conversion" to occur in a structure called the "motor end plate" at the junction of the nerve and muscle, that is, to convert the nerve signal into a chemical signal - "acetylcholine". Acetylcholine stimulates skeletal muscle cells to generate new bioelectric signals.

4. Myofilament sliding: Skeletal muscle cells are composed of segments of "sarcomeres". There are two types of "myofilaments" in each sarcomere. The cellular electrical signals generated by acetylcholine can make the thin filaments slide toward the thick filaments, shortening the sarcomeres and causing the muscle cells to contract.

5. Muscle contraction: The above-mentioned myofilament sliding is the action of a single muscle cell. Within a muscle, all muscle cells usually undergo myofilament sliding at the same time, thus producing a contraction movement of the entire muscle, which manifests itself as various limb movements such as reaching out, holding objects, and jumping.

The above is an introduction to how neuromuscular control of movement is carried out. In our daily exercises, no matter what kind of exercise we do, it will be regulated by the nerves. This is also a method of movement relying on nerve control. It just feels particularly natural to us at ordinary times. It is also an instinctive function of the human body.