Spinomesencephalic tract

Spinomesencephalic Tract

The Spinomesencephalic Tract is a neural pathway in the central nervous system (CNS) that plays a crucial role in the transmission of pain and temperature sensations from the body to the brain. This tract is part of the anterolateral system, which is responsible for carrying information about pain, temperature, and crude touch from the periphery to the brain.

Anatomy

The spinomesencephalic tract originates in the spinal cord and ascends to the mesencephalon, also known as the midbrain. It is composed of second-order neurons that receive input from primary afferent neurons in the dorsal root ganglion. These neurons cross over to the opposite side of the spinal cord and ascend in the anterolateral quadrant.

Function

The primary function of the spinomesencephalic tract is to transmit pain and temperature sensations to the brain. It does this by carrying signals from the body to the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the superior colliculus in the midbrain. The PAG is involved in pain modulation, while the superior colliculus is involved in orienting the body's response to stimuli.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the spinomesencephalic tract can result in loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body. This can occur due to spinal cord injury, stroke, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

See Also

• Spinothalamic Tract
• Spinoreticular Tract
• Pain Pathway
• Central Nervous System