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Generation of the Movement Stimulus in the Brain

1. The  association area of the cerebral cortex generates the idea for movement.
2. Association area sends a message to the lower brain center – the basal ganglia, where the motor program is created.  The Basal ganglia then sends a signal to the cerebellum. 
3. The Cerebellum is a series of checks and balances.  makes a decision as to whether the motor program is flawed or not.  At this point, movement has still not occurred.   
4. If the motor program passes the checks and balances of the cerebellum, then it is sent to the motor cortex.  At the motor cortex, the appropriate alpha motor neurons are activated.
5. Once the appropriate alpha motor neurons are activated, skeletal muscle contraction is stimulated.