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11.ascending Pathways
11.ascending Pathways
Ascending tracts
conduct afferent information
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Proprioceptive information
Originates from inside the body
For example, from muscles and joints.
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Anatomical Organization
Ascending pathway to consciousness consists of
three neurons:
First-order neuron
has its cell body in the posterior root ganglion
A peripheral process connects with a sensory
receptor ending
a central process enters the spinal cord to synapse
on second-order neuron.
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Second-order neuron
gives rise to an axon that decussates
(crosses to the opposite side)
And ascends to a higher level of the CNS
It synapses with the third-order neuron
Third-order neuron
is usually in the thalamus
gives rise to a projection fiber that
passes to a sensory region of the
cerebral cortex
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Substantia gelatinosa
Second order neuron
Receives the stimuli sent through central process of
posterior root ganglion
Their axons cross to the opposite side within one spinal
segment of the cord
Then, ascends in the contralateral white column as lateral
spinothalamic tract
Ends by synapsing into Ventral posterolateral nucleus of
thalamus
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Substantia gelatinosa
Second order neuron
Its axons cross obliquely to the opposite side within
several spinal segments
And ascend in the opposite anterolateral white column as
anterior spinothalamic tract
As it ascends new fibers are added in the medial aspect
Sacral tracts are situated laterally where as cervical
medially
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Receptors
Meissner's corpuscles
pacinian corpuscles
muscle spindles
tendon organs
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