These pathways carry information from the reticular formation of the brainstem to the spinal cord. Some of this originates in the cortex and is relayed in the reticular formation; other influences come from the reticular formation itself.

There are 2 reticulospinal tracts. The part that originates in the pons is the medial reticulospinal tract; it is found in the anterior portion of the white matter of the spinal cord. The medullary reticular formation gives rise to the lateral reticulospinal tract, a tract in the lateral part of the white matter of the spinal cord. The tracts are mostly bilateral.

Functionally, this system provides another pathway for voluntary motor control from the cortex, influencing movements of the large joints and axial musculature. The reticular formation also has a very significant influence on muscle tone.