Two of your physiology classmates are trying to figure out if cross country skiing is a voluntary activity or a rhythmic activity. They come to you to determine who is correct. What do you tell them?

What will be an ideal response?


You explain that they are, to some degree, both correct. While learning to cross country ski, you would set up central pattern generators that would help you repeat predictable orders of movement. Since those movements would be automatic with your brain being responsible for starting and stopping the central pattern generators, it would be a rhythmic activity. However if there is a change in terrain or slope where you are skiing, your brain would have to alter the patterns and adapt to the changing terrain, requiring voluntary motions. Most athletic endeavors would involve a combination of voluntary and rhythmic movements.

Anatomy & Physiology

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