spinothalamic tract

Introduction

A large ascending bundle in the lateral funiculus of the spinal cord.

Function

• the fibers convey impulses associated with pain & temperature & tactile sensation

Origin

• nerve fibers arise from neurons in the posterior horn of the spinal cord at all levels

Innervation

The column contains fibers projecting to the:

• thalamus (10-20% of fibers)
  • ventral posterior nucleus
  • intralaminar nuclei
• reticular formation
• hypothalamus
• accessory-olivary nucleus
• periaqueductal gray matter (mesencephalon)
• intermediate layers of the superior colliculus

Course

• the nerve fibers cross at their level of origin in the white commissure

More general terms

• spinal tract

Component of

• mesencephalon (midbrain)
• pons
• medulla
• spinal cord (spinal marrow)