All are carried through anterolateral system except:March 2005
**Core Concept**
The anterolateral system is a component of the spinal cord's ascending pathway, primarily responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations from the body to the brain. This system involves the spinothalamic tract, which is a crucial part of the anterolateral system.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The spinothalamic tract is responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations. It crosses at the level of the spinal cord and ascends to the thalamus, where the information is relayed to the cortex for further processing. This pathway is essential for the sensation of pain and temperature, which are carried through the anterolateral system.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway is responsible for transmitting proprioception, vibration, and fine touch sensations. These sensations are carried through the posterior column of the spinal cord and do not involve the anterolateral system.
* **Option B:** The lateral spinothalamic tract is not a well-defined pathway, but it is not the primary pathway for pain and temperature sensations, which are carried through the anterior spinothalamic tract.
* **Option C:** The anterior spinothalamic tract is responsible for transmitting crude touch and pressure sensations, which are carried through the anterolateral system.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The anterolateral system is often targeted in neurosurgical procedures for pain relief, such as cordotomy, to interrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
**Correct Answer: A. The posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway is responsible for transmitting proprioception, vibration, and fine touch sensations.**