Tectospinal tract

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

The tectospinal tract is a nerve fiber pathway that extends from the tectal plate to the motoneurons of the spinal cord and is part of the extrapyramidal motor system.

Anatomy

The tectospinal tract originates from the tectal plate in the midbrain. The efferent fibers of the tectospinal tract cross in the posterior tegmental decussation to the contralateral side and run in the anterior column down to the cervical spinal cord.

Function

The tectospinal tract serves as an optical reflex center, in which eye-head-torso movements are coordinated. The main function of this pathway is the activation of contralateral and ipsilateral neck muscles and is essential for reflexive head and neck movements in relation to gaze shift[^1].

Illustration

Rückenmark axial
Schematic representation of the spinal cord with its nerve fiber tracts. Illustration adapted from Grays Anatomy.