The rubrospinal tract starts in the red nucleus of the midbrain, crosses immediately in the ventral tegmental decussation and descends in the lateral spinal cord. It mainly facilitates flexor muscles of the upper limb. In humans it is small and largely limited to the cervical cord.
| Location | Lateral funiculus of the spinal cord, just in front of the lateral corticospinal tract, mainly in the cervical segments |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Anterior spinal artery; Pial arterial plexus |
Assists voluntary control of the arm, especially flexor tone and movements of the forearm and hand.
The rubrospinal tract is often cited in explaining decorticate posturing (arm flexion with leg extension) after lesions above the red nucleus, although the true mechanism in humans is debated. It may contribute to motor recovery after corticospinal damage.
Abnormal flexion of the arms with extension of the legs after severe brain injury above the midbrain, traditionally linked to preserved rubrospinal activity.
Damage to the lateral cervical cord involving the rubrospinal and corticospinal tracts, causing arm weakness and altered tone.
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