Final answer:
The output steps of the vestibulospinal tract involve multiple targets in the brainstem and spinal cord, including the reticular formation, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and thalamus. These connections are involved in maintaining posture, balance, eye and head movements, and conscious perception of equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The output steps of the vestibulospinal tract involve multiple targets in the brainstem and spinal cord. Neurons in the vestibular nuclei project their axons to the reticular formation in the brainstem, which influences respiratory and cardiovascular functions. They also project to the spinal cord, initiating spinal reflexes involved in posture and balance. Fibers from the vestibular nuclei project to the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nuclei, influencing signals sent along the cranial nerves for eye and head movements. Finally, the vestibular signals project to the thalamus to join the proprioceptive pathway of the dorsal column system, allowing conscious perception of equilibrium.