Which tract carries proprioceptive information from the upper body?

Which tract carries proprioceptive information from the upper body?

• A. Fasciculus gracilis
• B. Fasciculus cuneatus
• C. Spinothalamic tract
• D. Corticospinal tract

Answer: (B)

Proprioceptive information from the upper body travels through the dorsal column–medial lemniscus pathway. In this pathway, fibers from the upper body ascend in the fasciculus cuneatus, which lies laterally in the dorsal columns, while fibers from the lower body travel in the fasciculus gracilis. Proprioception, along with fine touch and vibration, from the arms and upper trunk is carried by the cuneate fasciculus up to the brainstem, then to the thalamus. The spinothalamic tract handles pain and temperature, and the corticospinal tract carries motor commands. Therefore, the tract carrying upper-body proprioception is the fasciculus cuneatus.

Proprioceptive information from the upper body travels through the dorsal column–medial lemniscus pathway. In this pathway, fibers from the upper body ascend in the fasciculus cuneatus, which lies laterally in the dorsal columns, while fibers from the lower body travel in the fasciculus gracilis. Proprioception, along with fine touch and vibration, from the arms and upper trunk is carried by the cuneate fasciculus up to the brainstem, then to the thalamus. The spinothalamic tract handles pain and temperature, and the corticospinal tract carries motor commands. Therefore, the tract carrying upper-body proprioception is the fasciculus cuneatus.