NRSC 277 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Rubrospinal Tract, Vestibulospinal Tract, Bony Labyrinth
Document Summary
Brain communicates with the motor neurons through lateral column and ventromedial column. Voluntary movement of distal muscles; direct cortical control. Tract decussates at pyramidal decussation -> lateral column of the spinal cord and form the lateral corticospinal tract -> terminate in dorsolateral region of ventral horns and intermediate gray matter. Unable to make fractionated movements of arms and hands independently; can only grasp items with all fingers at once. Voluntary movements - slower and less accurate. Pitcher would be unable to grip and properly throw a ball accurately. Movement deficit; but functions gradually reappeared months following surgery - only permanent damage: weakness of distal flexors and inability to move fingers independently. Subsequent lesion in rubrospinal tract - reversed recovery. Paralysis on contralateral side, considerable recovery of voluntary movements over time. Fractionated movements of fingers - least likely to recover. Red nucleus of midbrain -> decussate in pons, parallel to corticospinal tract in lateral column.
