The Corticospinal (Pyramidal) Tract Is a Direct Projection from Cerebral Cortex to Spinal Cord Responsible for the Most SkiIIedVoIuntaryMovements of Mammals
The motor cortices of the forebrain constitute the portion of the motor system hierarchy above that of the brainstem and represent the most complex level. As mentioned earlier, these cortical regions are collectively capable of operating spinal lower motor neurons indirectly through some of the descending brainstem motor pathways to the spinal cord (e.g., cortico- Feticulospinal route, cortico-rubrospinal route).
In mammals a more efficient system exists for the cortical control of spinal lower motor neurons: a direct projection from cells in the motor cortices to the gray matter of the spinal cord. This direct corticospinal tract, also referred to as the “pyramidal tract,” is responsible for the most elaborate and dexterous voluntary movement sequences of which mammals are capable, especially movements involving the extremities. However, this tract also participates in less elaborate voluntary movements of the distal musculature and can exert some voluntary control over the postural muscles as well.
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