Extrapyramidal Tracts and Spinal Cord Crossings: Vestibulospinal, Tectospinal, Superior Colliculus

Key extrapyramidal pathways and structures:

1. Vestibulospinal tract – Mediates balance and posture via vestibular nuclei.
2. Tectospinal tract – Coordinates head/eye movements to visual stimuli.
3. Superior colliculus – Midbrain center for orienting responses; gives rise to tectospinal fibers.

These tracts bypass the corticospinal (pyramidal) system, governing reflexive motor responses.