[4] These upper motor neurons originate in layer V pyramidal cells of the neocortex,[1] and travel through the posterior limb of the internal capsule in the forebrain, to enter the cerebral crus at the base of the midbrain.

The lateral corticospinal tract neurons cross the midline at the level of the medulla oblongata, and controls the limbs and digits.

[1] The primary purpose of the corticospinal tract is for voluntary motor control of the body and limbs.

However, connections to the somatosensory cortex suggest that the pyramidal tracts are also responsible for modulating sensory information from the body.

[2] This implies that the connections to these tracts are crucial for fine movement, and only partial recovery is possible if they are damaged.