Question

What is the function of the ascending tract to the brain?

1) To give rise to sensations of temperature and pain
2) To transmit motor signals to the brain
3) To regulate blood pressure
4) To control voluntary movements

Answer 1

The ascending tracts in the spinal cord, namely the dorsal column pathway and the spinothalamic pathway, transmit sensory information to the brain, such as touch, vibration, proprioception, pain, and temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the ascending tract to the brain is to carry sensory information from the periphery of the body to the brain. Specifically, two main pathways, the dorsal column pathway and the spinothalamic pathway, handle different types of sensations. The dorsal column pathway is responsible for conveying fine touch, vibration, and proprioceptive information, which is our sense of body position. On the other hand, the spinothalamic pathway primarily conveys sensations of pain and temperature. These ascending tracts are important for the sensory discrimination between various stimuli, allowing us to respond appropriately to our environment.