Other Motor Tracts [Part 1] | Reticulospinal & Vestibuospinal Tracts

The video tutorial discusses four descending motor pathways: reticulospinal, vestibulospinal, rubrospinal, and tectospinal tracts. It focuses on the reticulospinal and vestibulospinal tracts, explaining their origins, functions, and roles in muscle control. The reticulospinal tract, originating from the reticular formation, has medial and lateral parts that facilitate and inhibit voluntary movements, respectively. It plays a role in walking and anticipatory postural adjustments. The vestibulospinal tract, originating from the vestibular nucleus, helps maintain balance and posture by controlling anti-gravity muscles. Both tracts innervate ipsilateral skeletal muscles.

Which of the following is true about the reticulospinal tract?

• It is responsible for fine motor control.

• It only controls muscles in the lower limbs.

• It originates from the vestibular nucleus.

• It facilitates voluntary movements and increases muscle tone.

What is the primary function of the medial reticulospinal tract during walking?

• Inhibiting extensor muscles

• Activating flexor muscles

• Facilitating extensor muscle contraction

• Reducing muscle tone

What role does the lateral reticulospinal tract play in muscle movement?

• It inhibits voluntary movements and reduces muscle tone.

• It activates flexor muscles.

• It controls distal limb muscles.

• It facilitates fine motor skills.

Where do the vestibulospinal tracts originate?

• Cerebellum

• Reticular formation

• Vestibular nuclei

• Cerebral cortex

What is the primary function of the vestibulospinal tract?

• Facilitating voluntary movements

• Maintaining balance and posture

• Regulating heart rate

• Controlling fine motor skills

Which muscles are primarily controlled by the medial vestibulospinal tract?

• Extensors of the leg

• Flexors of the arm

• Neck and upper back muscles

• Abdominal muscles

How does the vestibulospinal tract contribute to maintaining erect posture?

• By controlling the gluteus maximus

• By reducing muscle tone

• By activating the abdominal muscles

• By inhibiting the flexor muscles