The pyramidal or corticospinal tract arises from the motor area of the cortex. They carry sensations for skillful and voluntary movement.
The fibers are of 2 parts:
LATRAL CORTICOSPINAL TRACT:
they form about 80 % of the pyramidal tract.
PATHWAY:
The fibers pass through the posterior limb of internal capsule, midbrain and medulla oblongata and enters the anterior white column.
At the lower level of medulla oblongata these fibers cross over to the lateral column of grey mater to form lateral corticospinal tract
ANTERIOR CORTICOSPINAL TRACT:
They form about 20% of the total fibers.
PATHWAY:
The fibers pass through the posterior limb of internal capsule, midbrain and medulla oblongata and enters the anterior white column.
They cross to grey matter and synapse with the internuncial neuron.
FUNCTION
Voluntary motor movement
Flexor - Extensor Reflex.
Movement Skills