Neuroanatomy basics · USMLE Step 1

A lesion of the ventral posterolateral (VPL) nucleus of the thalamus impairs which sensation?

  1. Facial pain sensation
  2. Body somatosensation
  3. Auditory processing
  4. Visual processing
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Correct answer: Body somatosensation

The VPL nucleus receives sensory input from the body via spinothalamic and dorsal column pathways. Damage impairs contralateral somatosensation.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

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