Spinothalamic tract

Spinothalamic tract is a part of the anterolateral system in the central nervous system that is responsible for transmitting information about pain, temperature, and crude touch to the thalamus.

Anatomy

The spinothalamic tract is composed of two adjacent pathways: anterior and lateral. The anterior spinothalamic tract carries information about crude touch, while the lateral spinothalamic tract conveys pain and temperature sensations.

Function

The spinothalamic tract functions as a major pain pathway in the body. It carries sensory information from the skin to the thalamus in the brain, where it is processed and interpreted as pain, temperature, or touch.

Clinical significance

Damage to the spinothalamic tract can result in a loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body. This is because the tract decussates, or crosses over, within the spinal cord before ascending to the brain.

See also

• Nervous system
• Pain
• Sensory system

Spinothalamic tract Resources
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