SUPERIOR PYRAMIDAL DECUSSATION Meaning and
Definition
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The term "superior pyramidal decussation" refers to a neural pathway in the central nervous system (CNS) that involves the crossing over (decussation) of nerve fibers in the brain. It specifically pertains to the crossing over of the pyramidal tracts, which are responsible for the voluntary control of movement.
The superior pyramidal decussation occurs in the medulla oblongata, the lowermost part of the brainstem, where a significant portion of these pyramidal tracts cross from one side of the brain to the opposite side. This crossing allows for the precise control of voluntary movements, linking the brain's motor cortex with the spinal cord.
Through this decussation, the motor signals originating from the contralateral (opposite) side of the brain are transmitted to the appropriate muscles on the ipsilateral (same) side of the body. Essentially, the crossing over at the superior pyramidal decussation ensures that the left hemisphere of the brain controls movements on the right side of the body, and vice versa.
The superior pyramidal decussation is a crucial point in the pathway of motor control, as damage or impairments in this region can lead to significant motor deficits. For instance, injuries or lesions affecting the superior pyramidal decussation may result in weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, along with other movement-related abnormalities.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUPERIOR PYRAMIDAL DECUSSATION
