Which sensory pathway transmits discriminative touch and proprioception?

The dorsal column pathway is the correct choice for transmitting discriminative touch and proprioception. This pathway, also known as the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway, carries sensory information from the body to the brain. It specifically transmits fine touch, vibration, and proprioceptive information that allows for the perception of the position of body parts and movement, which are critical for coordinated activities.

The first order neurons of this pathway ascend through the spinal cord in the dorsal columns, synapsing in the brainstem before continuing to the thalamus and eventually reaching the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe of the brain. This pathway is essential for the detailed and localized perception of touch and spatial awareness of body positioning.

In contrast, the other pathways mentioned do not specialize in these types of sensations. The lateral spinothalamic tract primarily carries pain and temperature sensations. The corticospinal tract is involved with motor control, sending signals from the brain to muscles for voluntary movement. The vestibulospinal tract is associated with balance and posture, integrating sensory information from the vestibular system but not specifically with discriminative touch or proprioception. Thus, the dorsal column pathway is distinctly responsible for conveying the sensory modalities in question.