Spinal Tracts Flashcards
Which spinal tract is responsible for pain and temperature?
spinothalamic
Name the ascending tracts.
spinothalamic dorsal column medial lemniscus
Name the descending tract.
corticospinal
Which spinal tract is responsible for motor?
corticospinal
Which spinal tract is responsible for fine touch, vibration and proprioception??
dorsal column
Where is the first synapse of the dorsal column?
medulla - cuneate (above waist) and gracillus (below waist) nuclei
Where does the dorsal column decussate?
medulla
Where is the second synapse of the dorsal column?
ventroposterolateral nucleus in thalamus
Where does the dorsal column end up?
post central gyrus - sensory cortex
Where is the first synapse of the spinothalamic tract?
at spinal cord - one or two levels above entrance
Where does the spinothalamic tract decussate?
at level of spinal entrance
Where is the second synapse of the spinothalamic tract?
VPN of thalamus
Where does the spinothalamic tract end up?
post central gyrus - parietal lobe
Why do you get contralateral symptoms with a spinothalamic lesion?
as it decussates at level of spinal entrance
Where does the corticospinal tract decussate?
medulla
Where does the corticospinal tract synapse?
anterior horn
What are the 3 pyramidal tracts?
tectospinal vestibulospinal rubrospinal
What is the function of the tectospinal tract?
head movements in response to visual stimulus
What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?
innervates antigravity muscles
What is the function of the rubrospinal tract?
movements pons - helps extensors medulla - helps flexors
What is Brown Sequard syndrome?
cord hemisection ipsilateral paralysis ipsilateral loss of fine touch, proprioception and vibration contralateral loss of pain and temp
What 2 spinal cord tracts do you get ipsilateral symptoms with? Why?
dorsal column corticospinal they decussate in the medulla
Which spinal tract is in reddy pink?

corticospinal tract
Which spinal tract is in blue?

spinothalamic
Which spinal tract is in pink?

dorsal column