[1] It relays sensory information from the second-order neurons of the neospinothalamic tract and medial lemniscus (of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway) which synapse with the third-order neurons in the nucleus.

These then project to the primary somatosensory cortex in the postcentral gyrus.

[2][citation needed] There is uncertainty regarding the location of VMpo (posterior part of ventral medial nucleus), as determined by spinothalamic tract (STT) terminations and staining for calcium-binding proteins, and several authorities do not consider its existence as being proved.

[1][3] The term "ventral posterolateral nucleus" was introduced by Le Gros Clark in 1930.

[8] 2° (Spinomesencephalic tract → Superior colliculus of Midbrain tectum)