Pathways Of The Spinothalamic Tract

Question 1

Indirect pathway/paleospinothalamic tract

Answer 1

Function: Mediates emotional and arousal components of sensation

Spinoreticular tract
Spinomesencephalic tract (modulares pain)
Spinohypothalamic tract

(Ascends ipsilaterally and contralaterally)

Question 2

Direct pathway/neospinothalamic tract

Answer 2

Function: Mediates pain, temperature and simple tactile sensations. Precise location and discrimination of nociceptive stimuli.

(Ascends contralaterally)