Molecular Classification
Other (anatomical/functional pathway, not a molecule or protein)
Other Names
Central nervous system tracts, CNS pathways, Ascending and descending pathways of the CNS, Neural pathways of the central nervous system
Disease Roles
Neurodegenerative disease (as affected by pathway dysfunction)Spinal cord injury (as affected by tract damage)

Central nervous system pathways Overview

Central nervous system pathways" refers to anatomical tracts within the brain and spinal cord that transmit sensory, motor, and integrative signals. These include major ascending (sensory) tracts such as the spinothalamic tract—which relays pain, temperature, and crude touch—and spinocerebellar tracts for proprioceptive information. Descending (motor) tracts include the corticospinal tract for voluntary movement control and corticobulbar tract for cranial nerve motor function. These are not single molecules or receptors but rather collections of axons forming communication routes essential for normal neurological function[4]. **Note:** "Central nervous system pathways" is not a molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or ion channel; it is an anatomical/functional concept describing bundles of nerve fibers in the CNS. Therefore, it does not have canonical molecular identifiers or direct drug interactions typical of therapeutic targets. This entry should be flagged as incorrect if used in contexts requiring specific molecular targets.

Mechanism of Action

Biological Functions

Signal transmission between brain and body[4]
Sensory information relay[4]
Motor control[4]
Coordination of movement[4]

Disease Associations

Neurodegenerative disease (as affected by pathway dysfunction)
Spinal cord injury (as affected by tract damage)

Safety Considerations

No safety concerns listed