In humans, the tectospinal tract (or colliculospinal tract) is a decussating extrapyramidal tract that coordinates head/neck and eye movements.[1]: 233 It arises from the superior colliculus of the mesencephalic (midbrain) tectum, and projects to the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord levels.[1]: 113 It mediates reflex turning of the head and upper trunk in the direction of startling sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, or skin).[1]: 109
Tectospinal tract | |
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![]() Diagram showing possible connection of long descending fibers from higher centers with the motor cells of the ventral column through association fibers. ("Tectospinal fasciculus" labeled at center right.) | |
![]() Diagram of the principal fasciculi of the spinal cord. ("Tectospinal fasciculus" labeled at center right, in red.) | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | tractus tectospinalis |
MeSH | D065844 |
NeuroLex ID | birnlex_759 |
TA98 | A14.1.02.211 A14.1.04.112 |
TA2 | 6119 |
FMA | 72620 |
Anatomical terminology |
It arises from the deep layers of the superior colliculus. It decussates within the posterior part of mesencephalic tegmentum[1]: 233 at the level of the red nucleus.[1]: 241 It descends through the medulla oblongata near the midline[1]: 100 within the medial longitudinal fasciculus.[1]: 241 In the spinal cord, it descends in the anterior funiculus.[1]: 233 It terminates by synapsing with interneurons[1]: 241 of the intermediate zone and anterior grey column.[1]: 233