Question

question 15
4 points
following an accident, a patient suffered damage to the left corticospinal tract at its origin. which one of the following symptoms would be observed?
a loss of temperature, touch and pain sensations on the right side of the body
b loss of voluntary movements on the right side of the body
c loss of muscle tone on the left side of the body
d loss of voluntary movements on the left side of the body

Explanation:

The corticospinal tract is responsible for voluntary motor control. It crosses (decussates) at the medulla oblongata. So, damage to the left corticospinal tract at its origin (before decussation) will affect the right side of the body's voluntary movements. Sensory pathways (for temperature, touch, pain - like the spinothalamic tract) are different from the corticospinal (motor) tract. Muscle tone is also not directly related to the corticospinal tract in the way described for this question.

Answer:

B. loss of voluntary movements on the right side of the body