Descending Pathways Flashcards
1
Q
What is the main function of the corticospinal tract?
A
- to transmit motor information from brain -> body
- for voluntary control of trunk muscles and limbs
2
Q
pathway of the corticospinal tract
A
corona radiata -> internal capsule -> cerebral crux -> midbrain -> ponds -> decussate in medulla oblongata -> spinal cord -> synapse with lower motor neurones
3
Q
What information is carried in the posterior column tract
A
- information about fine touch, vibration, proprioception
4
Q
What information is carried in the spinothalamic tract
A
pain, temperature, itchiness
5
Q
Pathway of posterior column tract
A
- begin at sensory receptors
- ascend in dorsal column
- 1st order synapses with 2nd order in medulla
- axons decussate in medulla
- travel up to thalamus
- 2nd order synapses with 3rd order in thalamus
- axons travel to somatosensory cortex
6
Q
pathway of spinothalamic tract
A
- begin at sensory receptors
- travel to dorsal horn of spinal cord
- 1st order synapses with 2nd order at the dorsal horn
- axons decussate in gray matter of spinal cord
- travel up to thalamus
- synapse with 3rd order at thalamus
- axons ascend to the somatosensory cortex and synapses there
7
Q
Where are the cell bodies of the first-order neurones located?
A
in the dorsal root ganglion
8
Q
Where are the cell bodies of the 2nd order neurones located?
A
in the spinal cord/brain
9
Q
where are the cell bodies of the 3rd order nuclei located?
A
in the thalamus
