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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...

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...

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...

Organization of the Nervous System

Organization of the Nervous System

The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the subthalamic...

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The human extrapyramidal system.

Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza¹

¹D'Or Institute for Research & Education, Brazil. rdeoliveira@gmail.com

Medical Hypotheses

|October 13, 2012

Summary

The human extrapyramidal system differs from mammals, organizing motor synergies like eye movements and breathing. Its anatomical scope is narrower than previously assumed, mediated by specific brainstem-spinal pathways.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Motor Control
Human Anatomy

Background:

The term "extrapyramidal" historically described motor pathways distinct from the pyramidal tracts.
Previous assumptions incorrectly equated the human extrapyramidal system with mammalian models, overlooking clinicoanatomic discrepancies.
Evidence indicated that damage to human pyramidal tracts results in locked-in syndrome, and extrapyramidal tracts are sparse.

Purpose of the Study:

To test the hypothesis that the human extrapyramidal system is anatomically and functionally distinct from mammalian counterparts.
To analyze residual motor patterns in locked-in syndrome as a model for human pyramidal tract transection.
To redefine the scope and organization of the human extrapyramidal system.

Main Methods:

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Systematic analysis of residual motor patterns in individuals with locked-in syndrome.

Examination of clinicoanatomic evidence regarding human pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts.

Identification of brainstem nuclei of origin and spinal cord destinations for relevant fiber systems.

Main Results:

The human extrapyramidal system organizes specific motor synergies: oculofacial, oculocephalic, faciorespiratory, axial-appendicular, and plurisegmental.
These functional repertoires are mediated by reticulospinal, vestibulospinal, rubrospinal, and tectospinal fiber systems.
The anatomical and functional scope of the human extrapyramidal system is considerably narrower than traditionally assumed.

Conclusions:

The human extrapyramidal system is fundamentally different from its mammalian counterparts.
The extrapyramidal concept is applicable to humans, but with a redefined, narrower scope.
Specific brainstem-spinal pathways mediate distinct categories of human motor synergies.