Ascending and descending pathways Flashcards
How many neurons are in the spino-thalamic pathway?
3
Where is the first synapse of the spino-thalamic pathway?
Spinal cord
What information does the spino-thalamic pathway carry?
Crude touch (localisation not possible)
Pain sensation
Temperature
Where does the spina-thalamic pathway decussate?
In the spinal cord (follows a ventrolateral route)
What kind of anaesthesia will result from a spino-thalamic lesion in the internal capsule?
Contralateral anaesthesia
What kind of speed is the spino-thalamic pathway?
Slow
Where is the first synapse of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway?
Medulla
Where is the second synapse of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway?
Thalamus
Where is the third synapse of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway?
Somatosensory cortex
Where does the DC medial lemniscus pathway decussate?
In the brainstem NOT SC
What are the two DC medial lemniscus tracts in the spinal cord?
Medial/gracile
Lateral/cuneate
What does the medial/gracile branch of the DC pathway mediate?
Sensation from lower body and lower limbs
What does the lateral/cuneate branch of the DC pathway mediate?
Sensation from the upper body and upper limbs
What does the dorsal column medial lemniscus pathway carry information about?
Discriminative touch
Proprioception
Vibration sensation
What kind of speed is the dorsal column medial lemniscus pathway?
Fastest of ascending pathways
