n :  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 , entral 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  .
 
 
 
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