Posted by DL on October 17, 1999, at 18:11:27
In reply to Re: Red Nucleus, posted by Noa on October 17, 1999, at 17:12:22
When I had neuroanatomy we learned that the function of the red nucleus (in the midbrain which is in the upper part of the brain stem)was mostly voluntary movement. It is the origin of something called the Rubrospinal tract--a group of nerves that go to the arms and legs. The other main tract that effects voluntary movement in the arms and legs comes from much further up in the brain--the cerebral cortex (what we usually think of as the "brain"). When someone has a stroke or injury in that part of the brain, the Rubrospinal tract can take over. Another part of the red nucleus is connected to the cerebellum which has to do with movement and balance.
poster:DL
thread:13316
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991016/msgs/13347.html