Loss of the ability to plan and carry out coordinated motor movements is a symptom of which condition?

Loss of the ability to plan and carry out coordinated motor movements is a symptom of which condition?

• A. Spina bifida
• B. Apraxia
• C. Triplegia
• D. Monoplegia

Answer: (B)

The correct response, apraxia, is characterized by the loss of the ability to plan and execute coordinated motor movements despite having the physical capability to perform those movements. This condition often arises from damage to the brain areas responsible for motor planning, rather than from direct muscle or motor pathway issues. Individuals with apraxia may struggle with tasks that require precise movements, such as buttoning a shirt or using utensils, even though they can demonstrate their physical skills in other contexts. Other conditions mentioned have distinct characteristics. For instance, spina bifida primarily involves a defect in spinal cord formation, leading to various degrees of mobility and sensory function issues, but does not specifically pertain to the planning and execution of movements. Triplegia and monoplegia refer to paralysis affecting three and one limb, respectively. While these conditions can impact movement, they do not intrinsically involve the cognitive and planning deficits seen in apraxia. Thus, this reinforcement of planning and execution impairment in apraxia makes it the accurate choice for the question.

The correct response, apraxia, is characterized by the loss of the ability to plan and execute coordinated motor movements despite having the physical capability to perform those movements. This condition often arises from damage to the brain areas responsible for motor planning, rather than from direct muscle or motor pathway issues. Individuals with apraxia may struggle with tasks that require precise movements, such as buttoning a shirt or using utensils, even though they can demonstrate their physical skills in other contexts.

Other conditions mentioned have distinct characteristics. For instance, spina bifida primarily involves a defect in spinal cord formation, leading to various degrees of mobility and sensory function issues, but does not specifically pertain to the planning and execution of movements. Triplegia and monoplegia refer to paralysis affecting three and one limb, respectively. While these conditions can impact movement, they do not intrinsically involve the cognitive and planning deficits seen in apraxia. Thus, this reinforcement of planning and execution impairment in apraxia makes it the accurate choice for the question.