Question

State the location of the first order neurons in the spinothalamic tract and name the location(s) where these neurons synapse onto second order neurons within the spinal cord. Name the tract formed by axons of the second order neurons and state the location where this tract decussates.

a) First order neurons are located in the dorsal horn. They synapse with second order neurons in the dorsal columns. The tract formed by axons of second order neurons is the lateral spinothalamic tract, which decussates in the spinal cord.
b) First order neurons are located in the ventral horn. They synapse with second order neurons in the medulla. The tract formed by axons of second order neurons is the medial lemniscus, which decussates in the thalamus.
c) First order neurons are located in the thalamus. They synapse with second order neurons in the midbrain. The tract formed by axons of second order neurons is the anterior corticospinal tract, which decussates in the brainstem.
d) First order neurons are located in the cerebral cortex. They synapse with second order neurons in the cortex. The tract formed by axons of second order neurons does not decussate.

Answer 1

First order neurons are located in the dorsal horn and synapse with second order neurons in the dorsal columns. The tract formed by axons of second order neurons is the lateral spinothalamic tract, which decussates in the spinal cord.

Step-by-step explanation:

First order neurons are located in the dorsal horn. They synapse with second order neurons in the dorsal columns. The tract formed by axons of second order neurons is the lateral spinothalamic tract, which decussates in the spinal cord.