PHYSIO DESCENDING TRACTS

Pyramidal and Non pyramidal

Which is the pyramidal tract?

Corticospinal and corticobulba

Corticospinal tract

→ Controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles (especially limbs, trunk, and fine motor control)

Lateral corticospinal tract
vs Anterior

Controls voluntary movement of limbs vs → Controls trunk, neck, and shoulder muscles

Rubrospinal tract

→ Helps control upper limb movements and flexor muscles; inhibits extensor tone (fine motor support system)

Vestibulospinal tract (lateral + medial)

→ Maintains balance, posture, and extensor muscle tone (upright body position control)

lateral vs medial vestibulospinal tract

Lateral: → Promotes posture and balance by activating extensor muscles in limbs (ipsilateral control)

Medial: Controls head position and stabilizes head movements relative to body

Tectospinal tract

→ Mediates reflex turning of head/neck toward visual or auditory stimuli

Reticulospinal tract

→ Controls posture, locomotion, and muscle tone (automatic movement control)

Pontine (medial) reticulospinal tract
Vs

Medullary (lateral) reticulospinal tract

→ Promotes extensor muscle activity for posture and standing

Vs

→ Inhibits extensor tone and promotes flexor activity; modulates movement control