Lateral spinothalamic track

 SENSATION 

carries sensation for pain and temprature 

LOCATION 

    it is located in the lateral column towards the medial side, near grey matter 

PATHWAY

First-order neuron 

• sensory fibres enter the spinal cord through the dorsal horn 
• they synapse with the marginal nucleus and the substantial gelatinosa

second-order neuron 

• they cross to reach the opposite side at the same segment 
• ascends and passes through the medulla, pons and midbrain to reach reticular formation of the brainstem 

Third-order neuron 

• they carry sensation from the reticular formation of the brainstem and ends in the somesthetic area of the
  cerebral cortex (sensory cortex)
  

EFFECT OF LESION 

bilateral lesion 

                - loss of pain and temperature sensation on both the sides                         below the level of lesion 

unilateral lesion 

                - loss of pain and temperature sensation in the opposite                             side, below the level of lesion