Major Ascending (sensory) Pathways and Tracts

Question 1

Spinothalamic anterior

Answer 1

-consicous sensation
-crude touch, pressure
first order synapse in dorsal root of spinal column
-decussation happens with second order neuron in spinal column
-second order synapses on ventral nuclei of thalamus-third order neurons synapse in primary sensory cortex

Question 2

Spinothalamic lateral

Answer 2

• consicous sensation
• pain, temperature
• first order synapse in dorsal root of spinal column
• decussation happens with second order neuron in spinal column
• second order synapses on ventral nuclei of thalamus
• third order neurons synapse in primary sensory cortex

Question 3

Posterior column

Answer 3

• consicous sensation
• fine touch, pressure, vibration, proprioreception
• first order synapses at the medulla
• decussates at the medulla
• second order synapses in thalamus
• third order synapses with primary sensory cortex

Question 4

Spinocerebellar posterior

Answer 4

-subconscious sensation
-proprioceptive info about position of skeletal muscles, tendons and joints
-NO decussation
second order synapse at cerebellum
-NO 3rd order

Question 5

Spinocerebellar anterior

Answer 5

• subconscious sensation
• proprioceptive info about position of skeletal muscles, tendons and joints
• DECUSSATION
• second order (interneurons) synapse at cerebellum
• NO 3rd order