Question

Where does the 2nd order neuron decussate in the anterolateral pathway?

a) Dorsal column
b) Spinal cord ventral horn
c) Spinal cord white matter
d) Anterior commissure

Answer 1

The 2nd order neuron in the anterolateral pathway decussates at the anterior commissure of the spinal cord, crossing over to the opposite side for the contralateral processing of sensory information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 2nd order neuron in the anterolateral pathway, specifically the spinothalamic tract, decussates in the spinal cord via the anterior commissure. After the axons of the first neurons reach the dorsal horn and synapse with the second neurons, the axons of these second-order neurons cross over to the opposite side of the spinal cord through the anterior commissure before ascending to the brain. This crossing allows for the contralateral processing of sensory information such as pain, temperature, and crude touch.