Tracts

Question 1

What 2 tracts does the spinothalamic tract split into?

Answer 1

Lateral (most important) and anterior spinothalamic tracts

Question 2

Lateral spinothalamic tract: sensation and function, and decussation
Contralateral or Ipsilateral?

Answer 2

Pain and temp
-Crosses immediately in the spine at the anterior white commissure
-Contralateral everywhere
-Mainly limbs

Question 3

Anterior spinothalamic tract sensation and function

Answer 3

Crude touch and pressure

Question 4

Dorsal column tract/ medial lemniscus: sensation & function, decussation
Contralateral or ipsilateral?

Answer 4

-Fine touch, 2 point discrimination, vibration, proprioception
-Decussates at medulla
-Spinal cord: ipsilateral
-Brainstem: contralateral and clear cranial nerve involvement
-cortex: contralateral
-Limbs

Question 5

DCML: Fasciculus gracilis vs cuneatus

Answer 5

FG: goes to lower limbs and from T6 and below (located medially in dorsal column)
FC: goes to upper extremities and from T6 and above (located laterally in DC)

Question 6

Spinocerebellar tracts: sensation & function
Contralateral or ipsilateral?

Answer 6

Unconscious proprioception
All fiber carry data to Ipsilateral cerebellum

Question 7

Name the ascending tracts

Answer 7

spinothalamic, DCML, spinocerebellar