<p>
</p>
<div>
    <div>
        <div>
            <div>
                <h3>Ascending Tracts</h3>
                <p>The&nbsp;<strong>ascending tracts</strong>&nbsp;refer to the neural pathways by which sensory information from the peripheral nerves is transmitted to the cerebral cortex. In some texts, ascending tracts are also known as somatosensory
                    pathways or systems.</p>
                <p>Functionally, the ascending tracts can be divided into the type of information they transmit – conscious or unconscious:</p>
                <ul data-spx-slot="1">
                    <li><strong>Conscious tracts</strong>&nbsp;– comprised of the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway and the anterolateral system.</li>
                    <li><strong>Unconscious tracts</strong>&nbsp;– comprised of the spinocerebellar tracts.</li>
                </ul>
                <p>In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the ascending tracts, and consider their clinical implications.</p>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>
<div>
    <div>
        <div>
            <div>
                <h2><span id="The_Dorsal_Column-Medial_Lemniscal_Pathway">The Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscal Pathway</span></h2>
                <p>The&nbsp;<strong>dorsal column-medial lemniscal</strong>&nbsp;pathway (DCML) carries the sensory modalities of fine touch (tactile sensation), vibration&nbsp;and&nbsp;proprioception.</p>
                <p data-spx-slot="1">Its name arises from the two major structures that comprise the DCML. In the spinal cord, information travels via the dorsal (posterior) columns. In the brainstem, it is transmitted through the&nbsp;<strong>medial lemniscus</strong>.</p>
                <p>Here is a video for this pathway:</p>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xRJypyXi7dU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><br>
<h2><span id="The_Anterolateral_System">The Anterolateral System</span></h2>
<p>The anterolateral system consists of two separate tracts:</p>
<ul data-spx-slot="1">
    <li><strong>Anterior spinothalamic tract</strong>&nbsp;– carries the sensory modalities of crude touch and pressure.</li>
    <li><strong>Lateral spinothalamic tract</strong>&nbsp;– carries the sensory modalities of pain and temperature.</li>
</ul>
<p>Here is a video on this system:</p><br>
<p></p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gcOqv0uzyAQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br>
<h2><span id="The_Spinocerebellar_Tracts_8211_Unconscious_Sensation">The Spinocerebellar Tracts – Unconscious Sensation</span></h2>
<p>The DCML and the anterolateral tracts transmit conscious sensations, such as pain, touch and temperature. The tracts that carry&nbsp;<strong>unconscious proprioceptive</strong>&nbsp;information are collectively known as the<strong>&nbsp;spinocerebellar tracts</strong>.
    Although we cannot physically acknowledge these signals, they help our brain co-ordinate and refine motor movements.</p>
<p data-spx-slot="1">They transmit information from the muscles to the cerebellum.</p>Here is a video on this final tract:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Re8O8qfp2DY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>