Pyramidal tract
Pyramidal tract
The Pyramidal tract (pronunciation: /pɪˈræmɪdəl trækt/) is a major part of the motor system that is responsible for voluntary motor control of the body and face.
Etymology
The term "pyramidal" is derived from the Latin word "pyramis" meaning pyramid, and "tract" from the Latin "tractus" meaning a course or path, referring to the shape and pathway of the nerve fibers in this system.
Anatomy
The pyramidal tract begins in the cerebral cortex, specifically in the precentral gyrus, and travels down through the brainstem and spinal cord. It is divided into two main parts: the corticospinal tract and the corticobulbar tract.
The corticospinal tract controls movements of the body, while the corticobulbar tract controls movements of the face, head, and neck.
Function
The primary function of the pyramidal tract is to carry motor commands from the brain to the muscles. These commands are initiated in the cerebral cortex, processed in the brainstem and spinal cord, and then transmitted to the muscles for execution.
Related Terms
- Upper motor neuron: Neurons that originate in the brain and spinal cord and carry motor commands down to the lower motor neurons.
- Lower motor neuron: Neurons that carry motor commands from the upper motor neurons to the muscles.
- Decussation: The crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the brain or spinal cord to the other.
- Motor cortex: The part of the cerebral cortex involved in the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyramidal tract
- Wikipedia's article - Pyramidal tract
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