pyramidal tract

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. any of four tracts of descending motor fibers that extend in pairs down each side of the spinal column and function in voluntary movement.

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Etymology

Origin of pyramidal tract

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

In the reflex, the lower center is aroused by a sensory nerve, and in the voluntary movement by the pyramidal tract.

From Psychology A Study Of Mental Life by Woodworth, Robert S.

The lower center can be aroused in quite another way, and that is by nerve currents coming from the brain, by way of the motor area and the pyramidal tract.

From Psychology A Study Of Mental Life by Woodworth, Robert S.

The pyramidal tract is the more important clinically.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

Injury to the motor area or to the pyramidal tract does not destroy reflex movement, but cuts off all voluntary movement and cerebral control.

From Psychology A Study Of Mental Life by Woodworth, Robert S.

The pyramidal tract conveys impulses that inhibit muscle tonus, while the rubro-spinal tract is the path by which excitatory impulses travel.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander