How Do You Spell VESTIBULOSPINAL TRACT?

1. The vestibulospinal tract refers to a neurological pathway that originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem and extends down towards the spinal cord. It is an essential component of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance, posture, and coordination of movement.

   The vestibulospinal tract is involved in transmitting signals from the vestibular nuclei to the spinal cord, where it influences the activity of motor neurons. This tract primarily controls the muscles responsible for maintaining postural adjustments and reflexes in response to changes in head and body positions.

   There are two main components of the vestibulospinal tract: the lateral vestibulospinal tract and the medial vestibulospinal tract. The lateral vestibulospinal tract descends ipsilaterally, meaning it remains on the same side of the body, and mainly controls the muscles of the limbs and extremities. It aids in maintaining balance and posture during voluntary movement.

   On the other hand, the medial vestibulospinal tract descends bilaterally, meaning it crosses over to the opposite side of the body, and mainly controls the muscles of the neck and upper trunk region. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the head and neck during head movements and also contributes to maintaining posture and balance.

   Overall, the vestibulospinal tract plays a vital role in coordinating and integrating the functions of the vestibular system and the spinal cord, ensuring proper balance, posture, and coordination of movement throughout the body.

2. A bundle of motor fibers running from Deiters' nucleus through the lateral column of the spinal cord, anterior to the rubrospinal t., ending in the anterior horns of the lumbar cord.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for VESTIBULOSPINAL TRACT

The term "vestibulospinal tract" can be broken down into two components: vestibulo- and spinal tract.

1. Vestibulo-: The prefix "vestibulo-" comes from the Latin word "vestibulum", meaning "entrance hall" or "vestibule". In anatomy, it refers to the vestibule or central part of the inner ear that is involved in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

2. Spinal Tract: The term "spinal" refers to the spine or spinal cord, which is a crucial part of the central nervous system. "Tract" refers to a bundle of nerve fibers or axons that connect different regions of the nervous system. In this context, it indicates a neural pathway passing through the spinal cord.