The reticulospinal tracts descend from the reticular formation of the pons and medulla to the spinal cord. The pontine (medial) tract mainly excites extensor and antigravity muscles, while the medullary (lateral) tract mainly inhibits them. They control posture, muscle tone, locomotion and the automatic adjustments that prepare the body before a voluntary movement.
| Location | Anterior and lateral funiculi of the spinal cord along its whole length |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Anterior spinal artery; Pial arterial plexus |
Regulate muscle tone, posture, walking rhythm and anticipatory postural adjustments, and contribute to autonomic control.
Imbalance of reticulospinal output after stroke or spinal cord injury is thought to be a major cause of spasticity. Reticulospinal pathways may also help recovery of gross arm and leg movement after corticospinal damage. Freezing of gait in Parkinson disease has been linked to dysfunction of brainstem locomotor centres that act through these tracts.
Velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone after stroke, linked to loss of cortical control over reticulospinal pathways.
Sudden brief inability to step in Parkinson disease, related to dysfunction of brainstem locomotor circuits that act through reticulospinal projections.
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