Function and organization of descending pathways in the spinal cord. Presented by Huba Tamás

Types of descending pathways: Pyramid: -cerebral cortex -voluntary movements Extrapyramidal: -gray brainstem nuclei -unconscious automatic movements Vegetative: -higher vegetative centres -smooth muscle of organs

Organization of descending pathways: Originate mostly from the cerebral cortex, or other centres of the brain Go down untill the muscles to innervate them, The route consists of three neurons, The patella reflex:

Function of descending pathways: Responsible for our muscles movements Regulate spinal reflexes Controll excitability of efferent neurons LMN, UMN (Lower/Upper motor neurons) Controll voluntary motor activities Controll reflex activities