Final answer:
The second-order neurons of ascending pathways terminate in the thalamus, where they synapse with the third neuron in their respective pathway before projecting to the postcentral gyrus for conscious perception of the stimulus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second-order neurons of ascending pathways that contribute to sensory perception terminate in the thalamus. These neurons synapse with the third neuron in their respective pathway, which then projects its axons to the postcentral gyrus of the cerebral cortex. This is where somatosensory stimuli are initially processed and the conscious perception of the stimulus occurs.