Neuro 7

Question 1

What is the origin of the rubrospinal tract?

Answer 1

the red nucleus

Question 2

Where does the rubrospinal tract typically terminate?

Answer 2

in the lateral grey matter

Question 3

What is the function of the rubrospinal tract?

Answer 3

influences LMN tract innervating flexor muscles of pelvic and thoracic limbs

Question 4

What are the two types of vestibulospinal tracts?

Answer 4

lateral and medial vestibular spinal tracts

Question 5

Where does the lateral VST tract originate and terminate and what is its primary function?

Answer 5

Originates within the vestibular nuclei. The fibres typically terminate on the lower motor neurons of the trunk and the limbs, facilitating the extensors and inhibiting the flexors
It functions in the maintenance of posture and balance.

Question 6

Where does the medial VST tract originate and terminate and what is its primary function?

Answer 6

Originates in the rostral, medial and caudal vestibular nuclei, it then terminates in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord segments. It adjusts the head and neck position in response to changes in posture

Question 7

Where is the tectospinal cord located and that does it do?

Answer 7

• Originates within the visual tectum of the midbrain
• Projects to the cervical and the upper thoracic spinal cord region
• Involved in reflex coordination of head and neck in response to visual stimuli

Question 8

What are the two reticulospinal tracts, where are they located and what is the function of them?

Answer 8

Two different parts are the medullary lateral and pontine medial tracts):
Both originate within the reticular formation
Both tracts project to all levels of the spinal cord
MRST- supresses extensor spinal reflex activity
PRST- facilitates spinal reflex activity

Question 9

Where are the corticospinal tract (CST) and the corticobulbar tract (CBT) located?

Answer 9

Both arise in cerebral cortex
CBT innervated the cranial nerve nuclei of the brainstem
CST axons that do not decussate continue as VSCT and are associated with posture. The VCST axon synapse with motor neurons of axial and proximal limb muscles

Question 10

What are the four clinical signs that are often associated with UMN neuron damage/dysfunction?

Answer 10

Paresis/paralysis
Hypertonia
Spasticity
Hyperreflexia