Tectospinal tract

REDIRECT Tectospinal tract

Overview

The tectospinal tract is a part of the extrapyramidal system and is involved in the coordination of head and eye movements. It originates in the superior colliculus of the midbrain and projects to the spinal cord.

Anatomy

The tectospinal tract begins in the superior colliculus, which is located in the midbrain. The superior colliculus receives input from the retina and the visual cortex, allowing it to process visual information. From the superior colliculus, the tract descends through the brainstem and into the spinal cord.

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Diagram of the spinal cord showing the location of the tectospinal tract.

The fibers of the tectospinal tract cross to the opposite side of the brainstem at the level of the midbrain in a process known as decussation. This crossing allows the tract to influence the opposite side of the body. The tract then descends through the pons and medulla oblongata before entering the spinal cord.

Function

The primary function of the tectospinal tract is to mediate reflexive head movements in response to visual stimuli. This is part of the body's orienting response, which helps an organism to quickly turn its head towards a stimulus. The tract is involved in coordinating head and eye movements, allowing for the alignment of the eyes with objects of interest in the visual field.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the tectospinal tract can result in difficulties with head and eye coordination. This can affect an individual's ability to respond to visual stimuli and may impair balance and posture. Such damage can occur due to traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases.

Related Pages

• Extrapyramidal system
• Superior colliculus
• Spinal cord
• Brainstem
• Decussation