The Spinothalamic Pathway EXPLAINED! | Pain & Temperature

The video tutorial explains the functions of the DCML and spinal thalamic pathways, focusing on their roles as ascending pathways that relay sensory information from the periphery to the brain. It covers the concept of a three neuron system, the structure of the spinal thalamic pathway, and the types of sensory information it relays, such as discriminative pain, temperature sensation, and coarse touch. The tutorial also distinguishes between ascending sensory pathways and descending motor pathways, providing a comprehensive understanding of how sensory information is processed in the nervous system.

Which pathway is considered the most complex among the three ascending pathways discussed?

• Corticospinal pathway

• Spinothalamic pathway

• DCML pathway

• Trigeminal pathway

What is the primary function of an ascending pathway?

• To control voluntary movements

• To process visual information

• To relay sensory information from the periphery to the brain

• To relay motor information from the brain to the periphery

In a three neuron system, where does the first order neuron synapse?

• Directly with the cortex

• With the peripheral receptor

• With the second order neuron

• With the third order neuron

Where do the second order neurons in the spinothalamic pathway decussate?

• At the level of the medulla

• At the level of the thalamus

• At the level of the cortex

• At the same level of the spinal cord where the first order neuron entered

What is the name of the tract formed by the second order neurons in the spinothalamic pathway?

• Trigeminal tract

• Spinothalamic lemniscus

• Corticospinal tract

• Medial lemniscus

Which nucleus in the thalamus do the axons of the spinothalamic lemniscus synapse with?

• VPL nucleus

• LGN nucleus

• MGN nucleus

• VPN nucleus

What type of sensation is NOT relayed by the spinothalamic pathway?

• Discriminative pain

• Temperature sensation

• Fine touch

• Coarse touch

Which fibers are responsible for transmitting cool temperature sensations?

• C fibers

• A beta fibers

• A delta fibers

• B fibers

What is the characteristic of discriminative pain?

• It is not consciously perceived

• It is difficult to localize

• It is transmitted by C fibers

• It is easily localized

Which system is responsible for sensing non-localized pain?

• Medial pain system

• Trigeminal system

• Lateral pain system

• Spinothalamic system