Descending tracts are pathways in the nervous system that carry signals from the brain to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. These tracts are essential for controlling voluntary movements and regulating various bodily functions. They transmit motor commands that help coordinate muscle activity and maintain posture. There are several types of descending tracts, including the corticospinal tract, which is crucial for voluntary motor control, and the extrapyramidal tracts, which help regulate involuntary movements and muscle tone. Understanding these tracts is important for studying how the nervous system functions and how injuries can affect movement and coordination.