Question

Name the nucleus in which second order neurons synapse onto third order neurons in the spinothalamic pathway. Name the tract through which the third order neurons project to the cortex. Identify the cortical gyrus to which the third order neurons in the anterolateral system and the trigeminal pain and temperature systems project.

a) Second order neurons synapse in the thalamus. The tract formed by third order neurons is the lateral spinothalamic tract, projecting to the parietal cortex.
b) Second order neurons synapse in the medulla. The tract formed by third order neurons is the anterior corticospinal tract, projecting to the temporal cortex.
c) Second order neurons synapse in the pons. The tract formed by third order neurons is the medial lemniscus, projecting to the occipital cortex.
d) Second order neurons synapse in the cerebellum. The tract formed by third order neurons is the dorsal column, projecting to the frontal cortex.

Answer 1

Second order neurons in the spinothalamic pathway synapse in the thalamus with third order neurons. Third order neurons in the anterolateral system and the trigeminal pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Second order neurons in the spinothalamic pathway synapse in the thalamus with third order neurons. The tract formed by these third order neurons is the lateral spinothalamic tract, which projects to the parietal cortex. Third order neurons in the anterolateral system and the trigeminal pain and temperature systems project to the postcentral gyrus of the cerebral cortex.