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Direct Motor Pathways

Direct Motor Pathways

The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and the...

Indirect Motor Pathways

Indirect Motor Pathways

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.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...

Hierarchy of Motor Control

Hierarchy of Motor Control

The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.

Brainstem

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...

Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex

Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex

The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Published on: December 31, 2013

What drives corticospinal output?

Roger N Lemon¹

¹UCL Institute of Neurology Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG UK.

F1000 Biology Reports

|December 22, 2010

Summary

Researchers identified the origin of direct cortico-motoneuronal output and discovered that some corticospinal neurons exhibit mirror-like properties, active during both self-movement and action observation.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Motor Control
Cortical Plasticity

Background:

Understanding the neural basis of voluntary movement is crucial.
The direct cortico-motoneuronal (CM) pathway is essential for fine motor skills, particularly in primates.
Recent advancements have begun to elucidate the origins and functions of this pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

To define the origin of the direct cortico-motoneuronal output to the upper limb.
To identify cortical networks involved in engaging the corticospinal tract during movement.
To investigate the properties of corticospinal neurons during action execution and observation.

Main Methods:

Electrophysiological recordings in the motor cortex.
Neuronal tracing techniques to identify CM neuron origins.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Published on: December 31, 2013

In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior

In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior

Published on: November 22, 2021

Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback

Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback

Published on: June 19, 2016

Analysis of neuronal activity during self-initiated movements and observed actions.

Main Results:

The precise origin of the direct cortico-motoneuronal output to the upper limb has been established.
Specific cortical networks modulating corticospinal output during movement have been identified.
A subset of corticospinal neurons demonstrated 'mirror-like' properties, showing activity during both self-movement and the observation of actions.

Conclusions:

The study clarifies the anatomical and functional organization of the human corticospinal system.
The discovery of mirror-like properties in corticospinal neurons suggests a role in action understanding and imitation.
These findings advance our comprehension of motor control and neural representations of actions.