Anterior corticospinal tract

Definition

The anterior corticospinal tract is a bundle of nerve pathways in the spinal cord that conveys motor signals from the brain to the trunk and upper limbs, controlling voluntary movements. It originates in the cerebral cortex and travels down the spinal cord before synapsing with lower motor neurons.

Related terms

Motor Neuron:

A neuron that sends impulses from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland, effecting movement or secretion.

Cerebral Cortex:

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum of the brain, playing a key role in memory, attention, perception, cognition, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.

Synapse:

A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter