Lateral corticospinal tract

The lateral corticospinal tract is a major part of the nervous system that helps control voluntary movements, especially in the limbs. It starts in the brain’s motor cortex, where it sends signals down through the spinal cord. About 85-90% of these signals cross over to the opposite side of the body in the lower part of the brainstem. These signals then travel down the spinal cord to reach motor neurons that activate muscles in the arms and legs. This pathway enables precise, fine movements like writing or buttoning a shirt.