- Key concepts
- Further information
Corticospinal pathways > termination of lateral corticospinal tract
This diagram depicts the different types of termination of the lateral corticospinal tract axons, a small number to motor neurons controlling muscles in the hand and forearm very precisely being direct, while the majority (not needing as much precision) are indirect via interneurons.
KEY CONCEPTS:
- Is usually via an interneuron which allows patterning of muscle groups at the cord level.
- Muscles needing fine movements e.g. of the hand, are supplied directly by large motor neurons providing precise cortical control.
Select one of the tabs above, or choose a menu item to the left, to continue
Corticospinal pathways > termination of lateral corticospinal tract
KEY CONCEPTS:
Termination of the lateral corticospinal tract:
- Is usually via an interneuron which allows patterning of muscle groups at the cord level.
- Muscles needing fine movements e.g. of the hand, are supplied directly by large motor neurons providing precise cortical control.
- Interneurons are either excitatory or inhibitory on spinal motor neurons, preventing antagonistic muscles from being activated by stretch reflexes.
Click on one of the tabs above, or on a menu item to the left, to continue