Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Ascending pathway

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

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.