Lab 6 (ƒ9) Descending Pathways to the Spinal Cord
Vestibulospinal Pathways - Overview
The fibers of the lateral vestibulospinal tract arise from the lateral vestibular nucleus and descend through the brainstem along the anterior surface of the vestibular nuclear complex. It receives axons of the vestibular nerve and axons from the cerebellum. Axons of the lateral vestibular nucleus remain uncrossed and pass caudally along the anterior margin of the nucleus.
The medial vestibular nucleus gives rise to a small group of fibers (the medial vestibulospinal tract) that joins the ipsilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus. Few fibers of the medial vestibulospinal tract extend beyond thoracic levels of the human spinal cord.
The vestibular nuclear complex receives input from the vestibular nerve, cerebellum, and the contralateral vestibular nuclear complex.
