Comparing decerebrate & decorticate postures






Decerebrate posture
  • Results from damage to the upper brain stem. 
  • In this posture, the arms are adducted and extended, with the wrists pronated and the fingers flexed. 
  • The legs are stiffly extended, with plantar flexion of the feet.

Decorticate posture
  • Results from damage to one or both corticospinal tracts. 
  • In this posture, the arms are adducted and flexed, with the wrists and fingers flexed on the chest. 
  • The legs are stiffly extended and internally rotated, with plantar flexion of the feet.


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