Levik. [Neurobiology of the system of internal representation of the own body: introduction to the problem and applied aspects]

Abstract:
The role of the internal representation in the organization of motor behavior and sensory-motor interaction is discussed on the basis of recent publications. The brain won't be able to handle complex spatial-oriented movements, affecting many parts of the body, if the CNS does not create an internal representation of the controlled object — its internal model. The system of internal representation provides humans with such feelings as a sense of being inside one's own body, a sense of control of one{'}s own actions, a sense of boundary between «me» and «not me», and body parts' belonging to a someone. The internal model provides operative control through such parameters as a common center of mass, which cannot be directly measured by any receptors. In addition to operative part the internal model should certainly include the conservative part, which is closely linked with persistent, immutable elements of the body scheme. The internal model of the body is not a unit, optimizing regulation, which, though less precise, could be accomplished without it. This model should be considered as essential and indispensable element in the regulation of posture and movement.