spinothalamic tract

noun

: any of four tracts of nerve fibers of the spinal cord that are arranged in pairs with one member of a pair on each side and that ascend to the thalamus by way of the brain stem:
a
: one on each side of the anterior median fissure that carries nerve impulses relating to the sense of touch

called also anterior spinothalamic tract, ventral spinothalamic tract

b
: one on each lateral part of the spinal cord that carries nerve impulses relating to the senses of touch, pain, and temperature

called also lateral spinothalamic tract

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Cite this Entry

“Spinothalamic tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/spinothalamic%20tract. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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