Gracilis & Cuneatus are the 2nd level neurons

• Gracilis & Cuneatus are the 2nd level neurons

• Axons cross in closed medulla (Sensory Decussation)
• Form Medial Lemniscus (flat in medulla on edge)
• Turns horizontal at margin of the pons and tegmentum-pons
• At the decussation of sup. peduncle, the medial lemniscus shift laterally allowing the cerebellar peduncles to pass rostrally to the red nuclei in the midbrain.
• The medial lemniscus enters the contralateral VPL of the thalamus somatotopically with the feet located laterally and the shoulders medial.
• From the dorsal thalamus, the signals are relayed by temporal gating to the sensory cortex in the post central gyrus.