spinothalamic tract

noun

: any of four tracts of nerve fibers of the spinal cord that are arranged in pairs with one member of a pair on each side and that ascend to the thalamus by way of the brain stem:

a

: one on each side of the anterior median fissure that carries nerve impulses relating to the sense of touch

called also anterior spinothalamic tract, ventral spinothalamic tract

b

: one on each lateral part of the spinal cord that carries nerve impulses relating to the senses of touch, pain, and temperature

called also lateral spinothalamic tract