Final answer:
The nigrostriatal pathway, which connects the substantia nigra to the striatum and is involved in the coordination of movement, is responsible for EPS effects when D2-type dopamine receptors are blocked by antipsychotic medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dopamine pathway responsible for the extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) effect of antipsychotic medications is predominantly the nigrostriatal pathway. This pathway connects the substantia nigra pars compacta to the striatum and is primarily involved in the coordination of movement. Antipsychotic medications, which are dopamine receptor antagonists, block dopamine activity at the D2-type receptors, thereby affecting the balance between the direct and indirect pathways of basal ganglia. The direct pathway facilitates movement, while the indirect pathway inhibits movement. Blockade of D2 receptors, especially within the indirect pathway, leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which can include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia.