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

Dictionary Entries Near spinothalamic tract

Cite this Entry

“Spinothalamic tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/spinothalamic%20tract. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!