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Indirect Motor Pathways

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The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Published on: September 11, 2019

Nervous mechanisms controlling body posture.

Tatiana G Deliagina¹, Pavel V Zelenin, Irina N Beloozerova

¹Karolinska Institutet, The Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, S-17177, Stockholm, Sweden. Tatiana.Deliagina@ki.se

Physiology & Behavior

|June 15, 2007

Summary

Researchers explored nervous system control of body posture using diverse animal models. Studies detailed postural networks, central nervous system localization, and recovery from vestibular deficits.

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

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Published on: September 11, 2019

An Instrumented Pull Test to Characterize Postural Responses

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Published on: April 6, 2019

Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings

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Published on: July 26, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Systems Neuroscience
Motor Control

Background:

Understanding the neural basis of body posture is crucial for neuroscience.
Previous research has focused on various aspects of postural control, but a comprehensive understanding across different species and conditions remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize a decade of research on the nervous mechanisms controlling body posture.
To investigate the functional organization, CNS localization, and neuronal networks of postural control.
To examine the impact of vestibular deficit on postural control and recovery.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis across animal models of increasing complexity (mollusk, lamprey, rabbit, cat).
Investigation of neuronal networks and cell interactions in simpler organisms.
Assessment of postural control alterations following induced vestibular deficits.

Main Results:

Detailed analysis of neuronal networks controlling posture in mollusks and lampreys.
Elucidation of postural function localization within the mammalian central nervous system (CNS).
Insights into how vestibular deficits impair and how recovery occurs in postural control.

Conclusions:

These studies have advanced the understanding of postural control system operation and body orientation.
Neuronal networks for posture are well-defined in simpler models, offering a foundation for complex systems.
Understanding vestibular deficit effects aids in comprehending postural recovery mechanisms.