key term - Tectospinal tract

Definition

The tectospinal tract is a pathway in the central nervous system that originates in the midbrain, specifically from the superior colliculus, and descends to the spinal cord, primarily coordinating head and eye movements in response to visual stimuli. It plays a crucial role in mediating reflexive postural adjustments of the head and neck towards stimuli.

Related terms

Superior Colliculus: A structure in the midbrain that processes visual information and is involved in initiating reflexive responses to visual stimuli.

Reflex Arc:

A neural pathway that controls an action reflex without the direct involvement of the brain, allowing for rapid responses to stimuli.

Spinal Cord:

The main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system, transmitting motor information from the brain to various parts of the body and sensory information back to the brain