key term - Corticospinal tract

Definition

The corticospinal tract is a bundle of nerve fibers that runs from the cerebral cortex of the brain down to the spinal cord, responsible for carrying motor signals to control skeletal muscles. It plays a crucial role in coordinating voluntary movements.

Related terms

Cerebral Cortex:

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum of the brain, involved in many functions including voluntary muscle movements and sensory perception.

Motor Neurons:

Nerve cells that transmit signals from the central nervous system to effector organs (muscles or glands) to induce action.

Voluntary Movements: Movements that are under conscious control, such as walking or waving, governed by signals sent through pathways like the corticospinal tract