Set 3 Flashcards
What is the function of the corticospinal (lateral and anterior) tracts?
precise and skilled voluntary movement (threading a needle or writing)
What is the function of the reticulospinal (pontine and medullary) tracts?
inhibit or facilitate voluntary movement
What are the neurons of the corticospinal (lateral and anterior) tracts?
internuncial neurons or alpha motor neurons
What are the neurons of the reticulospinal (pontine and medullary) tracts?
alpha and gamma motor neurons
Where do the corticospinal tracts cross?
most cross at decussation of pyramids
What is the function of the tectospinal tract?
reflex postural movement to visual stimuli
What are the neurons of the tectospinal tract?
alpha and gamma neurons
What is the function of the rubrospinal tract?
facilitates flexors and inhibits extensors
What are the neurons of the rubrospinal tract?
alpha and gamma neurons
What information does the rubrospinal tract receive?
cerebral and cerebellar
What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?
facilitates extensors and inhibits flexors
What are the neurons of the vestibulospinal tract?
alpha and gamma motor neurons
What information does the vestibulospinal tract receive?
inner ear and cerebellar information
What is the function of the lateral spinothalamic tract?
pain and temperature
What are the pathways of the lateral spinothalamic tract?
1st: posterior root ganglion, 2nd: substansia gelatinosa, 3rd: posterior lateral nucleus of thalamus ->postcentral gyrus
What is the main neurotransmitter of the 1st order in the lateral spinothalamic tract?
substance P
What is syringomyelia?
fluid-filled cyst leads to cape-like (bilateral) loss of pain and temperature (effects lateral spinothalamic)
What is the function of the anterior spinothalamic tract?
“protopathic” is defensive to pain, temperature, and crude light touch
What are the pathways of the anterior spinothalamic tract?
1st: posterior root ganglion, 2nd: substansia gelatinosa, 3rd: posterior lateral nucleus of thalamus ->postcentral gyrus
What is the function of the dorsal columns (fasciculus cuneatus and fasiculus gracilis)?
discriminative touch (2 point), vibration, and conscious proprioception