Decussation usually occurs 1-2 spinal nerve segments above the point of entry. The axons travel up the length of the spinal cord into the brainstem, specifically the rostral ventromedial medulla. Traveling up the brainstem, the tract moves dorsally.

Where does the spinothalamic tract end?

The spinothalamic tract terminates mainly in the ventroposterolateral nucleus, ventroposteromedial nucleus, the intralaminar nuclei, mainly the central lateral nucleus, and the posterior complex.

Where does the spinothalamic tract synapse?

The lateral spinothalamic tract has many fibres that synapse in the ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus. Crude pain, as well as temperature sensation will initiate an emotional reaction by synapsing here.