reticulospinal tract
Quick Summary
The reticulospinal tracts are descending spinal tracts that originate in the pons and medulla oblongata within the brainstem. These tracts play a role in voluntary motor function, muscle tone, reflexes, and equilibrium.12
There are two main reticulospinal tracts:
* Pontine reticulospinal tract: Arises from the pontine reticular formation, descends ipsilaterally, and facilitates voluntary movements and muscle tone.1
* Medullary reticulospinal tract: Originates from neurons in the median raphe, descends in the ventral part of the lateral funiculus, and inhibits motor activities.1
These tracts receive input from the motor cortex and are important for maintaining alertness and conscious state.1
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