extrapyramidal tract
The extrapyramidal tract refers to a group of neural pathways in the central nervous system that are involved in the regulation of involuntary movements and coordination. Unlike the pyramidal tract, which primarily controls voluntary muscle movements, the extrapyramidal system helps manage posture, balance, and reflexes. It includes structures such as the basal ganglia, substantia nigra, and cerebellum.
These pathways originate in various brain regions and project to the spinal cord, influencing motor control indirectly. The extrapyramidal tract plays a crucial role in smooth and coordinated movements, and dysfunction in this system can lead to movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.