Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

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Problem 10

Textbook Question

Which three motor tracts make up the medial pathway?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the medial pathway is a group of motor tracts in the central nervous system responsible for controlling gross movements of the trunk and proximal limb muscles, as well as maintaining posture and balance.

Recall that the medial pathway includes three specific motor tracts: the vestibulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the reticulospinal tract.

The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem and is involved in maintaining balance and posture by controlling muscle tone in response to changes in head position.

The tectospinal tract originates in the superior colliculi of the midbrain and is responsible for reflexive movements of the head, neck, and upper limbs in response to visual and auditory stimuli.

The reticulospinal tract originates in the reticular formation of the brainstem and plays a role in regulating muscle tone and autonomic functions, as well as coordinating movements for posture and locomotion.

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Key Concepts

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

Medial Pathway

The medial pathway refers to a group of motor tracts in the central nervous system that are primarily involved in the control of posture and locomotion. These tracts facilitate voluntary movements by influencing the activity of proximal muscles, which are crucial for maintaining balance and stability during movement.

Motor Tracts

Motor tracts are bundles of axons that transmit motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord and ultimately to the muscles. They are essential for voluntary movement and can be categorized into different pathways, each serving specific functions in motor control, such as fine motor skills or gross motor movements.

Specific Tracts in the Medial Pathway

The three primary motor tracts that make up the medial pathway are the vestibulospinal tract, reticulospinal tract, and tectospinal tract. Each of these tracts plays a distinct role in coordinating reflexive and automatic movements, such as adjusting posture in response to changes in balance or visual stimuli.