Final answer:
The simultaneous processing of pain and touch by the somatosensory system involves the dorsal column system for touch and proprioception and the spinothalamic tract for pain and temperature, both using ascending pathways to the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The somatosensory system processes pain and touch information along different pathways to the brain simultaneously. This is an example of the dorsal column system and the spinothalamic tract working together. Both systems begin with dorsal root ganglion cells and process sensory information through ascending pathways or tracts to the brain. The dorsal column system is responsible for touch sensations and proprioception, and decussation occurs in the brain stem. Meanwhile, the spinothalamic tract is primarily responsible for pain and temperature sensations, with decussation taking place in the spinal cord. Assessment of both pathways can be used to compare light touch and pain submodalities, highlighting the functional integrity of these tracts.