Pyramids

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, specifically within the somatic nervous system, pyramids refer to two elongated ridges on the medulla oblongata where corticospinal tracts descend from the brain through the spinal cord. These structures are crucial for transmitting voluntary motor signals from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord, enabling movement control.

Related terms

Corticospinal tract: The main pathway through which motor signals are sent from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord, controlling voluntary muscle movements.

Medulla oblongata: A part of the brainstem that acts as a relay center for transmitting nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord, involved in regulating essential functions like breathing and heart rate.

Voluntary movement: Movements that are consciously controlled by an individual, such as walking or writing, facilitated by motor responses initiated in the cerebral cortex