Evolution, biomechanics, and neurobiology converge to explain selective finger motor control

Physiol Rev. 2024 Feb 22. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2023. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHumans use their fingers to perform a variety of tasks-from simple grasping, to manipulating objects, to typing and playing musical instruments-a variety wider than any other species. The more sophisticated the task, the more it involves individuated finger movements, those in which one or more selected fingers perform an intended action while the motion of other digits is constrained. Here we review the neurobiology of such individuated finger movements. We consider their evolutionary origins, the extent to which finger movements are in fact individuated, and the evolved features of neuromuscular control that both enable and limit individuation. We go on to discuss other features of motor control that combine with individuation to create dexterity, the impairment of individuation by disease, and the broad extent of capabilities that individuation confers on humans. We comment on the challenges facing development of a truly dexterous bionic hand. We conclude by identifying topics for future investigation that will advance our understanding of how neural networks interact across multiple regions of the central nervous system to create individuated movements for the skills human use to express their cognitive activity.PMID:38385888 | DOI:10.1152/physrev.00030.2023

Source: Physiological Reviews - February 22, 2024 Category: Physiology Authors: Jing Xu Firas Mawase Marc H Schieber Source Type: research