Medial vestibulospinal tract

Medial vestibulospinal tract is a part of the vestibulospinal tract, which is a neural pathway responsible for mediating postural changes in response to information from the vestibular system. The medial vestibulospinal tract specifically controls the neck and upper body muscles.

Anatomy

The medial vestibulospinal tract originates from the medial vestibular nucleus in the brainstem. From there, it descends bilaterally in the medulla oblongata and the cervical spinal cord. Unlike the lateral vestibulospinal tract, which extends to the lumbar levels of the spinal cord, the medial vestibulospinal tract only extends to the cervical levels.

Function

The primary function of the medial vestibulospinal tract is to mediate the vestibulo-collic reflex, which helps to stabilize the head in space. This is achieved by adjusting the activity of the neck muscles in response to signals from the vestibular system about the position and movement of the head. This reflex is crucial for maintaining balance and gaze stabilization during head movements.

Clinical significance

Damage to the medial vestibulospinal tract can result in a variety of clinical symptoms, including vertigo, nystagmus, and balance disorders. These symptoms are often associated with conditions such as vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, and vestibular schwannoma.

See also

• Vestibular system
• Vestibulospinal tract
• Lateral vestibulospinal tract
• Vestibulo-ocular reflex