Final answer:
The corticospinal tract (CST) is responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles, with the lateral corticospinal tract handling the fine control of distal musculature such as fingers through contralateral connections. The anterior corticospinal tract, in contrast, deals with axial muscles and has a bilateral component for coordinating postural muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The corticospinal tract (CST) is a key brain pathway responsible for the voluntary control of skeletal muscles, particularly concerning the control of distal musculature, such as the fine control of fingers. The lateral corticospinal tract, which is a component of the CST, crosses the midline at the pyramidal decussation in the medulla and is primarily responsible for this function. This crossing results in the contralateral control of muscle movement, where the right motor cortex controls muscles on the left side of the body and vice versa.
For axial muscle control, involving the muscles of the body trunk, the anterior corticospinal tract is utilized; this tract is not entirely contralateral and has some ipsilateral components to coordinate postural muscles. Movements of the body trunk often involve both sides of the body, hence the bilateral nature of the anterior corticospinal tract.