Spinal cord tracts, brainstem cross-sections, and classic lesion localization tested on USMLE Step 1, distinct from the clinical deficit focus of USMLE Neuro.
40 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the primary function of the lateral corticospinal tract?
Show answer
Voluntary motor control of limb (skeletal) muscles- Where does the corticospinal tract decussate?
Show answer
Pyramidal decussation, at the cervicomedullary junction (caudal medulla)- In which part of spinal cord white matter does the lateral corticospinal tract travel?
Show answer
Lateral funiculus- What sensory modalities does the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway carry?
Show answer
Fine touch, vibration, and proprioception- Where do dorsal column fibers decussate as they become the medial lemniscus?
Show answer
Internal arcuate fibers, in the medulla- Which dorsal column fasciculus carries sensation from the lower body?
Show answer
Fasciculus gracilis- Which dorsal column fasciculus carries sensation from the upper body?
Show answer
Fasciculus cuneatus- What sensory modalities does the spinothalamic tract carry?
Show answer
Pain, temperature, and crude touch- Where does the spinothalamic tract decussate?
Show answer
Anterior white commissure, one to two spinal levels above the level of entry- In which part of spinal cord white matter does the spinothalamic tract travel?
Show answer
Anterolateral funiculus- What is the general function of the spinocerebellar tracts?
Show answer
Carry unconscious proprioceptive information to the cerebellum- Does the dorsal (posterior) spinocerebellar tract decussate?
Show answer
No, it remains uncrossed and travels ipsilaterally- In Brown-Sequard syndrome, what is lost ipsilateral to a spinal hemicord lesion?
Show answer
Motor function and proprioception/vibration sense below the lesion- In Brown-Sequard syndrome, what is lost contralateral to a spinal hemicord lesion?
Show answer
Pain and temperature sensation, a level or two below the lesion- What is the classic sensory deficit pattern in syringomyelia?
Show answer
Bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation in a cape-like distribution
FlashKeepers