Spinal Cord Tracts Flashcards
What is the function of the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus (DCML)?
Fine touch, vibration, proprioception
The DCML pathway is responsible for transmitting fine sensory modalities to the brain.
What sensations does the Lateral Spinothalamic Tract carry?
Pain & temperature
The Lateral Spinothalamic Tract is specifically involved in relaying pain and temperature sensations to the brain.
What does the Anterior Spinothalamic Tract transmit?
Crude touch & pressure
The Anterior Spinothalamic Tract is responsible for the sensation of crude touch and pressure.
What is the primary function of the Spinocerebellar Tracts?
Unconscious proprioception (muscle/joint position)
The Spinocerebellar Tracts provide information about the position of muscles and joints without conscious awareness.
What is the role of the Spino-Olivary Tract?
Proprioceptive input for motor learning
The Spino-Olivary Tract assists in motor learning by providing proprioceptive feedback.
What type of movements does the Spinotectal Tract facilitate?
Reflexive head and eye movements in response to stimuli
The Spinotectal Tract helps coordinate reflexive movements of the head and eyes when responding to stimuli.
What type of sensory information does the Trigeminal Sensory Pathways carry?
Pain, temperature, crude touch from the face
The Trigeminal Sensory Pathways are specifically designed to relay sensory information from the face.
Where is the second-order neuron for the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus located?
Medulla (gracile & cuneate nuclei)
Second-order neurons for the DCML are found in the medulla oblongata.
Where are second-order neurons of the Spinothalamic Tract found?
Spinal cord (dorsal horn)
The dorsal horn of the spinal cord contains the second-order neurons for the Spinothalamic Tract.
Does the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus undergo decussation?
Yes (in the medulla)
Decussation occurs in the medulla for the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus pathway.
What is the final destination for signals from the Lateral Spinothalamic Tract?
Somatosensory Cortex
The Lateral Spinothalamic Tract projects to the somatosensory cortex for processing sensory information.
Does the Spinocerebellar Tracts undergo decussation?
No (posterior), Yes (anterior)
The posterior Spinocerebellar Tract does not cross over, while the anterior does.
What is the final destination for the Spino-Olivary Tract?
Cerebellum
The Spino-Olivary Tract projects to the cerebellum for motor coordination.
Where does the Spinotectal Tract send its signals?
Tectum (midbrain)
The Spinotectal Tract targets the tectum of the midbrain for reflexive responses.
What is the final destination for the Trigeminal Sensory Pathways?
Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (brainstem)
The pathways targeting the trigeminal nerve process facial sensory information in the brainstem.
Does the Trigeminal Sensory Pathways undergo decussation?
Yes (crosses in the brainstem and joins the spinothalamic tract)
This pathway crosses in the brainstem before reaching its final destination.
What is the final destination for signals from the Spinothalamic Tract?
Thalamus → Somatosensory Cortex
Signals from the Spinothalamic Tract are relayed through the thalamus before reaching the somatosensory cortex.
What is the main function of the Lateral Corticospinal Tract?
Voluntary control of limb muscles
Originates from the Motor Cortex (Precentral Gyrus) and decussates at the Medulla Pyramids.
What is the origin of the Anterior Corticospinal Tract?
Motor Cortex
It is responsible for voluntary control of axial muscles (neck, trunk).
What does the Corticobulbar Tract control?
Cranial nerves (facial and head movements)
It originates from the Motor Cortex.
Which tract facilitates flexor muscle activity in upper limbs?
Rubrospinal Tract
Originates from the Red Nucleus in the Midbrain.
What is the function of the Vestibulospinal Tract?
Maintains balance and posture via extensor muscles
It originates from the Vestibular Nuclei in the Medulla & Pons.
The Reticulospinal Tract is responsible for which type of movements?
Automatic movements: posture, gait control
It originates from the Reticular Formation in the Brainstem.
What does the Tectospinal Tract coordinate?
Head and eye movements in response to visual & auditory stimuli
It originates from the Superior Colliculus in the Midbrain.
