Vestibulospinal Tract [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Vestibulospinal Tract ======

The **vestibulospinal tract** is a descending motor pathway involved in the regulation of **posture, balance**, and **extensor muscle tone**. It originates in the **vestibular nuclei** of the brainstem and projects ipsilaterally to the spinal cord.

{{::captura_de_pantalla_2025-07-01_a_las_1.50.11.png?600|}}

=== Origin ===
- Lateral and medial **vestibular nuclei** in the pons and medulla (especially Deiters’ nucleus).

=== Course ===
- **Lateral vestibulospinal tract (LVST)** descends **uncrossed** through the ventral funiculus of the spinal cord.
- **Medial vestibulospinal tract (MVST)** descends **bilaterally**, primarily within the **medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF)**, but terminates mostly in **cervical spinal cord**.

=== Termination ===
- Synapses mainly in **laminae VII and VIII** of the spinal cord.
- Influences **alpha and gamma motor neurons** that innervate **axial and proximal limb extensor muscles**.

=== Function ===
- Facilitates **extensor tone**, particularly for **anti-gravity muscles**.
- Critical in **maintaining balance** and **upright posture**.
- Coordinates **head and eye movements** in conjunction with visual and proprioceptive input.

=== Clinical relevance ===
- Lesions result in **loss of postural reflexes** and **balance impairment**.
- May be overactive in **decerebrate rigidity**.
- Involved in **vestibular rehabilitation** after stroke or labyrinthine injury.

=== Related tracts ===
  * [[lateral_corticospinal_tract|Lateral Corticospinal Tract]]
  * [[reticulospinal_tract|Reticulospinal Tract]]
  * [[medial_longitudinal_fasciculus|Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus]]