Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Descending pathway

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

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.