The rubrospinal tract is a descending motor pathway of the central nervous system.
Anatomy
The rubrospinal tract extends from the Nucleus ruberMidbrain to the Spinal cord. The rubrospinal tract crosses to the contralateral side at the level of the anterior tegmental decussation and gives off numerous collaterals as it passes through the Brainstem. In the spinal cord, it runs directly anterior to the Tractus corticospinalis
Function
Animal studies have shown that the rubrospinal tract has an excitatory effect on flexors and an inhibitory effect on extensors[^1].