supraspinal

Supraspinal refers to neural structures and processes located above the spinal cord, typically within the brain and brainstem. The term distinguishes brain-controlled influences from spinal and peripheral components of the nervous system. It is used in neuroanatomy, neurology, and rehabilitation to describe pathways and functions that originate in the brain and modulate spinal activity.

The major supraspinal motor pathways include the corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts, which start in the cerebral cortex and descend to the spinal cord and brainstem to control voluntary movement. Other descending pathways—such as the rubrospinal, vestibulospinal, reticulospinal, and tectospinal tracts—convey signals that regulate posture, muscle tone, reflexes, and locomotion. These pathways interact with spinal interneurons and motor neurons to shape movement and posture.

In addition to motor control, supraspinal circuits contribute to motor planning and initiation (involvement of the premotor cortex and supplementary motor area), sensorimotor integration, and the modulation of reflexes. Descending pain modulation pathways from regions such as the periaqueductal gray and rostroventromedial medulla influence nociceptive processing at the spinal level. Supraspinal control also participates in autonomic regulation and arousal.

Clinically, supraspinal lesions refer to damage above the spinal cord and often produce upper motor neuron signs, such as altered muscle tone and reflex changes, reflecting disruption of brain-initiated control over spinal circuits.