Which brainstem-derived descending tract produces action similar to the lateral coicospinal tract?
Correct Answer: Rubrospinal
Description: Descending motor pathways are organized into two major groups:Lateral pathways control both proximal and distal muscles and are responsible for most voluntary movements of arms and legs. They include thelateral coicospinal tract & rubrospinal tractMedial pathways control axial muscles and are responsible for posture, balance, and coarse control of axial and proximal muscles. They include thevestibulospinal tracts, reticulospinal tracts, and anterior coicospinal tractThe coicorubrospinal pathway serves as an accessory route for transmission of relatively discrete signals from the motor coex to the spinal cord. When the coicospinal fibers are destroyed but the coicorubrospinal pathway is intact, discrete movements can still occur, except that the movements for fine control of the fingers and hands are considerably impaired. Wrist movements are still functional, which is not the case when the coicorubrospinal pathway is also blocked.Therefore, the pathway through the red nucleus to the spinal cord is associated with the coicospinal system. Therefore, the coicospinal and rubrospinal tracts together are called the lateral motor system of the cord.Ref: Guyton; 13th edition; Chapter 56 Coical and Brain Stem Control of Motor Function
Category:
Physiology
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now