What Loss Would Result from Cutting Through the Medial Lemniscus

Question

What loss would result from cutting through the medial lemniscus on the right side?
A) loss of pain sensation on the left side of the body
B) loss of pain sensation on the right side of the body
C) loss of fine touch sensation on the left side of the body
D) loss of fine touch sensation on the right side of the body
E) complete hemiplegia (paralysis) on the left side of the body

Accepted Answer

The medial lemniscus carries information about fine touch, vibration, and proprioception from the body to the brain. After crossing to the opposite side (decussating) in the medulla, it ascends to the thalamus. Therefore, cutting the right medial lemniscus would result in a loss of these sensations on the left side of the body.