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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.
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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...

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...

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...

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Non-Invasive Modulation and Robotic Mapping of Motor Cortex in the Developing Brain

Non-Invasive Modulation and Robotic Mapping of Motor Cortex in the Developing Brain

Published on: July 1, 2019

Motor Cortex Activity Organizes the Developing Rubrospinal System.

Preston T J A Williams¹, John H Martin²

¹Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10031.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience

|October 2, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The developing rubrospinal system

Keywords:

corticospinal tract development motor cortex red nucleus rubrospinal tract spinal cord

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Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Published on: December 31, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Motor Control
Developmental Biology

Background:

Skilled movement relies on corticospinal and rubrospinal systems.
Understanding their developmental coordination is crucial.
The rubrospinal tract's role in compensating for corticospinal injury is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate activity-dependent interactions between developing corticospinal and rubrospinal systems.
Determine if the rubrospinal tract compensates for corticospinal tract injury.
Examine how corticospinal system activity shapes rubrospinal tract development.

Main Methods:

Unilateral inactivation of the motor cortex (M1) in cats using muscimol.
Examined red nucleus (RN) motor maps and rubrospinal tract (RST) projections.
Assessed development at 7 and 14 weeks, during and after M1 inactivation.

Main Results:

During M1 inactivation, the ipsilateral RN showed precocious RST development.
The contralateral RN exhibited sparse RST projections and an immature map.
Post-inactivation, the active M1 side showed impaired RN/RST development, while the inactivated side regressed.

Conclusions:

The corticospinal system activity-dependently regulates rubrospinal system development.
The rubrospinal system competes with the corticospinal system for neural pathways.
This competition influences motor map formation and tract connections, impacting skilled movement recovery.