Question

What is the difference in the function of tractus corticospinalis and tractus rubrospinalis? I know, that they begin in different parts of the brain, but from what have I read on the internet*, I can't see any difference in their function. The only difference I can see is, that tractus rubrospinalis is having impact only on the upper half of the body, but still this isn't difference in their function (at least on the upper part of the body).

Edit:
* for the rubrospinal tract I have read

The tract is responsible for large muscle movement regulation flexor and inhibiting extensor tone as well as fine motor control.

and for the corticospinal

The primary purpose of the corticospinal tract is for voluntary motor control of the body and limbs.

Both are from wikipedia, but this is just because it is was the fastest source of something in english. I learned it from sources in my language so I can't post them here, but I understood it very similarly as it is on the wikipedia.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The corticospinal tract and the rubrospinal tract are two distinct pathways in the central nervous system, and they serve different functions in the control of voluntary motor movements. Let's break down their differences in terms of origin, function, and impact on the body:

Origin:
Corticospinal Tract: This tract originates in the primary motor cortex of the cerebral cortex, specifically in the precentral gyrus.

Rubrospinal Tract: The rubrospinal tract originates in the red nucleus of the midbrain.

Function:

Corticospinal Tract: The primary function of the corticospinal tract is to provide precise and skilled voluntary movements. It is involved in the fine motor control of the muscles throughout the body.

Rubrospinal Tract: The rubrospinal tract plays a role in the regulation of muscle tone, particularly in influencing flexor muscles and inhibiting extensor tone. It is also involved in the control of larger muscle movements.

Body Impact:

Corticospinal Tract: The corticospinal tract has a broad impact, controlling voluntary movements throughout the body, both in the upper and lower extremities.

Rubrospinal Tract: The rubrospinal tract primarily influences the upper part of the body. It has a more specific impact on flexor muscles and is involved in controlling movements in the arms and upper trunk.

In summary, while both tracts are involved in the control of voluntary movements, they have different origins, and their specific functions and impact on the body vary. The corticospinal tract is more involved in fine motor control throughout the body, while the rubrospinal tract has a more specific influence on the upper half of the body, particularly in regulating flexor muscles and larger muscle movements.

Answer 2

The primary difference between the tractus corticospinalis and tractus rubrospinalis lies in their functional roles and areas of impact.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tractus corticospinalis and the tractus rubrospinalis are both descending pathways responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles. However, they have distinct functions and origins. The corticospinal tract, which originates in the primary motor cortex, primarily facilitates voluntary movement and fine motor control, often involving distal limbs such as the fingers. It is the major pathway for this precise motor control, crossing over (decussating) from one side of the brain to the opposite side of the spinal cord, and thus controlling the opposite side of the body.

Conversely, the rubrospinal tract originates in the red nucleus of the midbrain and plays a role in large muscle movement regulation, like flexor tone modulation, as well as fine motor control, but primarily affects the upper body. Unlike the corticospinal tract, the rubrospinal tract is not the primary pathway for controlling fine movements of fingers or lower limbs.

While both tracts contribute to voluntary movements, the corticospinal tract has a more significant role in the fine motor control of the entire body and limbs. In contrast, the rubrospinal tract is thought to facilitate large muscle movements and has a more limited influence on fine control of the upper limbs.