Damage to the posterior spinocerebellar tract on the left side of the spinal cord at the L 1 level would interfere with the coordinated movement of which limb(s)?

Hey, everyone. Let's take a look at this question together a sensory pathway that transmits proprioceptive information from the lower limbs to the cerebellum, which is in charge of coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance is known as, what is it? Answer choice. A the interior corticospinal tract. Answer choice B, the posterior spinocerebellar tract, answer choice C the reticulospinal tract or answer choice. D the rubrospinal tract. Let's work this problem out together to try to figure out which of the following tracks is that sensory pathway which transmits proprioceptive information from the lower limbs to the cerebellum. So in order to solve this question, we have to recall what each of the following tracts are responsible for to determine which tract transmits the information from the lower limbs to the cerebellum. And we can recall from the structure of the brain that the cerebellum is found on the posterior side of the brain. So we are looking for a tract that is found on the posterior side of the body. More specifically, we are looking for a tract from the lower limbs to the cerebellum that also coordinates voluntary movements and maintains balance as well as communicates information about limb position, joint angles and mu tension. And the name of the sensory pathway, which transmits proprioceptive information from the lower limbs to the cerebellum. That is found on the posterior side of the brain is answer choice B, the posterior spinocerebellar tract, which is the correct answer. Since the posterior spinocerebellar tract, which is found on the posterior side of the body goes from the spinal cord to the cerebellum, transmitting proprioceptive information such as limb position, joint angles and muscle tension from those lower limbs to the cerebellum. So answer choice B is the correct answer. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye.

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13. The Peripheral Nervous System

Introduction to the Peripheral Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

13. The Peripheral Nervous System

Introduction to the Peripheral Nervous System

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Problem 17

Textbook Question

Damage to the posterior spinocerebellar tract on the left side of the spinal cord at the L₁ level would interfere with the coordinated movement of which limb(s)?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of the posterior spinocerebellar tract: This tract carries proprioceptive information (position sense) from the lower limbs to the cerebellum, which is essential for coordinated movement. It is an ipsilateral pathway, meaning it affects the same side of the body.

Identify the location of the damage: The problem specifies damage to the posterior spinocerebellar tract on the left side of the spinal cord at the L1 level. This means the proprioceptive signals from the left lower limb will be disrupted.

Determine the impact of the damage: Since the posterior spinocerebellar tract is responsible for transmitting proprioceptive information to the cerebellum, damage to this tract on the left side will interfere with the cerebellum's ability to coordinate movement of the left lower limb.

Consider the anatomical implications: The L1 level of the spinal cord is part of the lumbar region, which primarily affects the lower limbs. Therefore, the damage will specifically impact the coordinated movement of the left lower limb.

Conclude the affected limb(s): Based on the ipsilateral nature of the posterior spinocerebellar tract and the location of the damage, the coordinated movement of the left lower limb will be impaired.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Posterior Spinocerebellar Tract

The posterior spinocerebellar tract is a neural pathway that transmits proprioceptive information from the lower body and limbs to the cerebellum. It plays a crucial role in coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance. Damage to this tract can disrupt the brain's ability to process sensory feedback necessary for smooth and coordinated limb movements.

Proprioception

Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. It involves receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints that provide the brain with information about limb position and motion. This sensory feedback is essential for coordinating movements and maintaining posture, making it vital for activities requiring fine motor skills.

Lateralization of Brain and Spinal Cord Function

Lateralization in the context of the nervous system refers to the idea that certain functions are more dominant in one hemisphere or side of the body. In this case, damage to the left side of the spinal cord affects the right side of the body due to the crossing of neural pathways. Therefore, injury to the left posterior spinocerebellar tract would primarily impact the coordination of movements in the right limb.

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