The tectospinal tract runs from the superior colliculus of the midbrain, crosses the midline, and descends to the upper cervical spinal cord. It is a small tract that turns the head towards things we see or hear.
| Location | From the superior colliculus through the brainstem to the anterior funiculus of the cervical spinal cord |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Connections |
|
| Blood Supply | Posterior cerebral and basilar artery branches (brainstem); Anterior spinal artery (cord) |
Coordinates reflex turning of the head and neck towards sudden visual or sound stimuli.
It is rarely injured in isolation, but forms part of the orienting reflex studied in neurology. It mainly ends in the upper cervical segments.
Reduced reflex head turning from midbrain or upper cord lesions.
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