Which statement correctly describes the DCML and Anterolateral pathways in terms of site of ascent on the body?

• A. Contralateral in the dorsal cord
• B. Ipsilateral in the ventral cord
• C. Ipsilateral in the dorsal cord
• D. Contralateral in the ventral cord

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is where each sensory tract travels upward within the spinal cord. The dorsal column–medial lemniscus (DCML) carries fine touch and proprioception and travels ipsilaterally in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord (fasciculus gracilis for the lower body and fasciculus cuneatus for the upper body) on the same side until it reaches the medulla, where it then crosses. In contrast, the Anterolateral (spinothalamic) system carries pain and temperature and crosses to the opposite side near the level of entry in the spinal cord, then ascends contralaterally in the anterolateral pathways.

So the statement that best fits the site of ascent for the DCML is that it ascends ipsilaterally in the dorsal cord.