Corticospinal tract

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Corticospinal tract

The Corticospinal tract (pronunciation: kor-ti-ko-SPY-nal trakt) is a part of the nervous system that plays a key role in carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Etymology

The term "Corticospinal" is derived from two words: "Cortex", referring to the outer layer of the brain, and "Spinal", relating to the spinal cord.

Function

The Corticospinal tract is responsible for the transmission of motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord, which then sends these commands to the muscles. This pathway is crucial for voluntary movement control.

Anatomy

The Corticospinal tract begins in the cerebral cortex, specifically in the precentral gyrus, and travels down through the brainstem before reaching the spinal cord. It is divided into two tracts: the anterior corticospinal tract and the lateral corticospinal tract.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Corticospinal tract can result in a variety of motor disorders, including spastic paralysis and Babinski sign.

Related terms

External links

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