Corticorubral tract

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 2 Aug 2021

The corticorubral tract contains neurons that connect the primary motor and sensory areas to the red nucleus. The rubrospinal tract then descends through the spinal cord. 

The tract is thought to excite flexor muscles and inhibit extensor muscles.

Gross anatomy

Central connections

The corticorubral tract originates from the primary motor and sensory areas. A majority of the input comes from Brodmann areas 4 and 6.

Course

Corticorubral fibers descend from the cortex and travel through the posterior limb of the internal capsule. The tract terminates on the ipsilateral aspect of the red nucleus. The red nucleus processes data which is then conveyed down the rubrospinal tract.

Related pathology

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