Lateral spinothalamic track

SENSATION

carries sensation for pain and temperature

LOCATION

it is located in the lateral column towards the medial side, near grey matter

PATHWAY

First-order neuron

• sensory fibres enter the spinal cord through the dorsal horn

• they synapse with the marginal nucleus and the substantial gelatinosa
  

second-order neuron

• they cross to reach the opposite side at the same segment

• ascends and passes through the medulla, pons and midbrain to reach reticular formation of the brainstem

Third-order neuron

• they carry sensation from the reticular formation of the brainstem and ends in the somesthetic area of the cerebral cortex (sensory cortex)

EFFECT OF LESION

bilateral lesion

- loss of pain and temperature sensation on both the sides below the level of lesion

unilateral lesion

- loss of pain and temperature sensation in the opposite side, below the level of lesion