Rubrospinal tract

Definition

The rubrospinal tract is a pathway in the central nervous system that originates in the red nucleus of the midbrain and descends to the spinal cord, primarily facilitating voluntary movement coordination. It plays a significant role in motor control, particularly in the distal muscles of the limbs.

Related terms

Red Nucleus:

A midbrain structure involved in motor coordination and the origin point of the rubrospinal tract.

Motor Neuron:

A neuron that directly or indirectly controls muscle contractions, acting as the final output for motor commands.

Spinal Cord:

The central nervous system component extending from the brainstem through the vertebral column, which transmits neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body