Descending pathway


Descending pathway: A nerve pathway that goes down the spinal cord and allows the brain to control movement of the body below the head.

In contrast, ascending pathways are nerve pathways that go upward from the spinal cord toward the brain carrying sensory information from the body to the brain.

Read Also:

  • Desensitization, allergy

    Desensitization, allergy: Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic in order to modify or stop the allergic response. This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, animal dander, and stinging insects, including bees, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, velvet ants, fire […]

  • Desert fever

    Desert fever: A disease also called coccidioidomycosis (CM) due to a fungus called Coccidioides immitis. About 40% of people infected with this fungus develop symptoms. Most often they have an influenza-like illness with fever, cough, headaches, rash, and myalgias (muscle pains). Of those people with symptoms, 8% have severe lung disease requiring hospitalization and 7% […]

  • Desiccate

    Desiccate: To remove the moisture from a thing that normally contains moisture, such as a plant; to dry out completely; to preserve by drying. The process of desiccating a thing is called desiccation; an agent used to bring about desiccation is called a desiccant or a desiccator. Manufacturers of dietary supplements and medicines desiccate some […]

  • Designer estrogen

    Designer estrogen: An engineered drug that possesses some, but not all, of the actions of estrogen. Also known as selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM). For example, raloxifene (brand name: Evista) is classified as a designer estrogen because, like estrogen, it prevents bone loss and lowers serum cholesterol; however, it does not stimulate the endometrial lining of […]

  • Designer steroid

    Designer steroid: A synthetic steroid derived by simple chemical modification from another steroid, usually an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids, which build muscle mass, can have serious long-term health consequences in men, women, and children.


Disclaimer: Descending pathway definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.