The posterior subthalamic area (PSA) includes the zona incerta (ZI) and the prelemniscal radiation (RaprL), which itself consists of the cerebellothalamic fascicle (fct) (or dentato-rubro-thalamic tract [DRTT]) and pallidothalamic fibers, and was targeted for lesioning as early as 1960 by Wertheimer et al. 1).
The prelemniscal radiation, also known as the prelemniscal fasciculus, is a bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that plays a role in transmitting sensory information, particularly related to pain and temperature sensations.
Key points about the prelemniscal radiation include:
Location: The prelemniscal radiation is located in the brainstem, specifically within the midbrain. It is part of the ascending sensory pathways that relay information from the spinal cord to higher brain centers.
Function: This fiber bundle is involved in the transmission of certain sensory modalities, including pain and temperature sensations. It contributes to the processing and relay of these sensory signals to higher brain regions for further interpretation and response.
Connections: The prelemniscal radiation is part of the larger spinothalamic tract, which is a major ascending pathway for transmitting sensory information from the spinal cord to the thalamus. The thalamus acts as a relay station, forwarding sensory signals to the somatosensory cortex for further processing.
Clinical Relevance: Damage or dysfunction in the prelemniscal radiation or the broader spinothalamic tract can lead to sensory deficits, such as impaired pain or temperature perception. Lesions in these pathways may result from various neurological conditions or injuries.
Understanding the anatomy and function of structures like the prelemniscal radiation is crucial for clinicians and researchers in neurology and neuroscience. It contributes to the comprehension of sensory processing pathways in the brain and aids in diagnosing and treating conditions related to sensory abnormalities.