The lateral vestibulospinal tract is one of the descending spinal tracts of the ventromedial pathway.

The lateral part of the vestibulospinal tract is the major portion and is composed of fibers originating in the lateral, superior, and inferior vestibular nuclei

Vestibular nuclei

The vestibular nuclei are the cranial nuclei for the vestibular nerve.In Terminologia Anatomica they are grouped in both the pons and medulla.-Subnuclei:There are 4 subnuclei; they are situated at the floor of the fourth ventricle....

 (primarily the lateral). It projects ipsilaterally down to the lumbar region of the spinal cord. There it helps to maintain an upright and balanced posture by stimulating extensor motor neurons in the legs. It also innervates muscles of the trunk, thus additionally aiding in body posture. The lateral vestibular nuclei receive input from cerebellum

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. It may also be involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language, and in regulating fear and pleasure responses, but its movement-related functions are the most solidly established...

, particularly the vestibulocerebellum, or the flocculi and nodulus. The cerebellum aids in coordinating postural adjustments.

See also

• Decerebrate posturing