ABSTRACT

This chapter reviews some basic facts on the effects of neurotoxic agents on motor functions that are mediated by the musculoskeletal system. The neural point of view is that represented by the neurosciences, clinical neurology, and experimental neuropathology; it studies movement and motor behavior at the gross morphological, cellular, and molecular levels. The chapter discusses the neural and behavioral characterization of motor functions; the importance of reaction-time measurement in a neuropsychological assessment; and the effect of neurotoxic agents on speech. Knowledge of the neural basis of motor functions has progressed based on clinical studies in humans and neuropathological observations of experimental animals, many originating in the 18 th century and even earlier. Skeletal muscles are those that move bones and joints. Skeletal muscles are also called striated muscles because of the striated appearance of the muscle fiber under light microscopy.