Definition of Ascending pathway

Ascending pathway: A nerve pathway that goes upward from the spinal cord toward the brain carrying sensory information from the body to the brain.

In contrast, descending pathways are nerve pathways that go down the spinal cord and allow the brain to control movement of the body below the head.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11289
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012