2-Minute Neuroscience: Pain and the Anterolateral System

In my 2-Minute Neuroscience videos I explain neuroscience topics in 2 minutes or less. In this video, I discuss pain and the anterolateral system. I describe the three main pathways of the anterolateral system: the spinothalamic tract, spinoreticular, and spinomesencephalic tracts. I follow the route pain information takes along each of these tracts, from nociceptors to the somatosensory cortex, reticular formation, or periaqeuductal grey (depending on the tract). TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to 2 minute neuroscience, where I simplistically explain neuroscience topics in 2 minutes or less. In this installment I will discuss pain and the anterolateral system. Pain begins at nociceptors, cutaneous receptors that are specialized to detect noxious stimuli like extreme pressure, very hot or cold temperatures, or tissue damage. When activated, nociceptors send a signal to the spinal cord; the signal will be sent to the brain on pathways that make up what is known as the anterolateral system. The anterolateral system con