INTENSE RIGIDITY OF THE ARMS DUE TO ISOLATION OF MOTONEURONES BY A SPINAL TUMOUR

Abstract

The case of a patient with a cervical cord tumor who developed muscular rigidity of the arms is presented. The area showing malignant change was between C2 and C6 and not only were the motoneurones partially isolated from their nervous connexions but their cell bodies rounded off and the dendrites were lost. The muscular rigidity is due to the spontaneous activity of the motor nerve cells. Whether this spontaneous activity is related to the lack of inhibitory and facilita-tory control from the internuncial connexions or abnormal morphology is not possible to decide. It is probable, however, that the intensity and distribution of the spontaneous activity of motoneurones producing muscular rigidity determines the final posture.