From the Research
The extrapyramidal tracts include the rubrospinal, reticulospinal, vestibulospinal, and tectospinal tracts, which are distinct from the pyramidal (corticospinal) tracts and play crucial roles in motor control, as supported by the most recent study 1. These neural pathways are essential for automatic, subconscious control of movement, posture, and muscle tone, complementing the voluntary motor control provided by the pyramidal system. The key tracts involved are:
- Rubrospinal tract: originates in the red nucleus and helps control flexor muscles of the upper limbs
- Reticulospinal tracts (medial and lateral): arise from the reticular formation and regulate posture, muscle tone, and some automatic movements
- Vestibulospinal tracts (lateral and medial): originate in the vestibular nuclei and maintain balance and posture in response to head movements
- Tectospinal tract: starts in the superior colliculus and coordinates head and eye movements in response to visual stimuli Damage to these tracts can result in movement disorders such as rigidity, tremor, or dystonia, as seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease, highlighting the importance of these tracts in maintaining normal motor function, as discussed in 2, 3, and 4. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the most comprehensive understanding of the extrapyramidal tracts and their role in motor control, making it the primary reference for this recommendation.