Descending Pathways Flashcards
What are the categories of descending tracts?
Pyramidal tracts
Extra-pyramidal tracts
Names of pyramidal tracts
Lateral corticospinal
Anterior corticospinal
Corticonuclear
Names of extrapyramidal tracts
MEL VERT
Medial reticulospinal
Lateral reticulospinal
Vestibulospinal
Rubrospinal
Tectospinal
First three affect the alpha and gamma neurons in the anterior horn
Functions of extrapyramidal tracts
Autonomic control of musculature (muscle tone, balance, posture and locomotion)
Carry out gross voluntary movement to some extent in case of pyramidal tract damage
If gross voluntary movement is left under control of extrapyramidal tracts, muscle rigidity increases
What is the reticular formation?
Group of neurons in the core of the brain stem
Which structures do the reticular formation connect?
Spinal cord and thalamus to the cerebrum
Purpose of the reticular formation
Mediates sleep cycle
Medial Reticulospinal Tract
Function
Facilitates voluntary movements
Increases muscle tone
Stimulates α and γ neurons
Medial Reticulospinal Tract
Location
Anterior Funiculus
Medial Reticulospinal Tract
Origin
Pontine Reticular Formation
Medial Reticulospinal Tract
Crossed or Uncrossed
Uncrossed
Lateral Reticulospinal Tract
Function
Inhibits voluntary movements
Decreases muscle tone
Inhibits α and γ neurons
Lateral Reticulospinal Tract
Location
Lateral Funiculus
Lateral Reticulospinal Tract
Origin
Medullary Reticular Formation
Lateral Reticulospinal Tract
Crossed or Uncrossed
Crossed
Vestibulospinal Tract
Function
Control balance and posture by innervating anti-gravity muscles
Anti-gravity muscles include flexors of arm and extensors of the leg
Vestibulospinal Tract
Location
Anterior Funiculus
Vestibulospinal Tract
Origin
Lateral Vestibular Nucleus (pons)