Final answer:
The dorsal column pathway is responsible for conscious proprioception, which is the sensation of the position and movement of one's own body parts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is a) Dorsal column pathway; discriminative touch and conscious proprioception. The dorsal column pathway is involved in the sensation and perception of fine touch, vibration, and proprioceptive information - giving us a sense of the position and movement of our body parts. Conscious proprioception allows us to be aware of the position and movements of our limbs without directly looking at them, a key component of coordination and balance. In contrast, the spinothalamic tract pathway primarily deals with pain and temperature sensations and involves a different type of processing that does not include conscious proprioception.