CNS Tracts Flashcards
What does the Tract Gracilis do
Discrimination or touch and vibration from all cord
levels
Kinesthetic sensation
What does the Tract Cuneatus do
Discrimination of touch and vibration from T5 up
Kinesthetic sensation
Where do Gracilis and Cuneatus send their information to
Nucleus Gracilis/Cuneatus in the Medulla
Then to the post central gyrus of opposite side
What test would be positive if there was a lesion in the tract Gracilis or Cuneatus
Rhomberg’s
Or any posterior column test
Do the tracts Gracilis or Cuneatus travel up the ispalateral or contralateral side of the cord
Ipsilateral
What tract sends pain and temperature sensation to the bain
Lateral Spinothalamic tract
What tract sends light touch and pressure to the bain
Anterior spinothalamic tract
Where does the lateral spinothalamic tract cross the cord
at the same level it enters
Where does the anterior spinothalamic tract cross the cord
3-4 levels above were it enters
Assuming a lesion at C7 on the right where would the pt have issues with light tough and pain reception
Light Touch = Anterior Spinothalamic = C3 or C4 dermatome on left
Pain = Lateral Spinothalamic = C7 dermatome on right
What information does the posterior spinocerebellar tract send
Fine proprioception
What information does the anterior spinocerebellar tract send
Gross movements of the lower extremity
How many times does the anterior spinoserebellar tract cross
2 times. Once in the cord (at the level it enters) once in the cerebellum
What tract is responsible for Visual reflexes
Spinotectal
What tract is responsible for postural reflexes
Spinovestibular
What tract influences axial musculature of the neck and shoulders
Anterior Corticospinal tract
What tract is critical for initiating precise/skilled voluntary muscle movement (especially in distal extremities)
Lateral corticospinal tract
Where do the anterior and lateral corticospinal tracts originate
The motor cortex of collateral side of affected muscles
What is the origin of the rubrospinal tract
The red nucleus
What does the rubrospinal tract do
Facilitate Flexors
Inhibit extensors
What is the origin of the Vestibulospinal tract
Vestibular nucleus
What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract
Muscle tone and postural adjustments or ipsilateral extensors and inhibition of flexors
Helps maintain proper orientation in falling
What is the function of the Reticulospinal tract
Heart, blood pressure, respiratory rates
What tract can be used as alternate pathway for corticospinal tract
Reticulospinal tract
