Mod5-Obj5: Major somatosensory pathways

Question 1

Major somatosensory pathways are:

Answer 1

1. ) Spinothalamic (anterolateral) pathway
2. ) Posterior column pathway (dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway
3. ) Spinocerebellar pathway

Question 2

Spinothalamic (anterolateral) pathway

1st, 2nd, 3rd order-neuron

Answer 2

Begins at a peripheral receptor

-Ends within the primary somatosensory cortex

Question 3

Axons of 2nd order neurons travel in either the:

Answer 3

1. ) Anterior spinothalamic tracts: Relay crude touch, pressure, tickle and itch sensations (within anterior white column)
2. ) Lateral spinothalamic tracts: Relay pain & temperature sensations (within the lateral white column)

Question 4

Posterior column pathway

1st, 2nd, 3rd order-neuron

Answer 4

Begins at a peripheral receptor

-Ends within the primary somatosensory cortex

Question 5

Posterior column pathway involves the

Answer 5

Fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus spinal cord tracts (within the posterior white columns)

Question 6

Spinocerebellar pathway

1st, 2nd order-neuron

Answer 6

Begins at proprioceptors in skeletal muscles, tendons and joints
-Ends with the cerebellum

Question 7

Spinocerebellar pathway involves the:

Answer 7

1. ) Anterior spinocerebellar tracts
2. ) Posterior spinocerebellar tracts
3. ) Within the lateral white columns

Question 8

Posterior column pathway

Answer 8

Relays sensations of fine touch, pressure, vibration and proprioception

Question 9

Spinocerebellar pathway

Answer 9

Relays sensations of proprioception