Question

Describe route of first, second and third order neurones in DCML tract

Answer 1

The first-order neurons start in the dorsal root ganglion and connect to the dorsal horn. The second-order neurons cross the spinal cord and ascend to the brain stem. The third-order neurons project to the cerebral cortex.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. The first-order neurons originate in the dorsal root ganglion and extend their axons to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
2. The second-order neurons have their cell bodies in the spinal cord gray matter and connect to the thalamus. These axons decussate within the spinal cord and ascend to the brain stem as the medial lemniscus.
3. The third-order neurons in the thalamus project their axons to the postcentral gyrus of the cerebral cortex, where somatosensory stimuli are processed.