Ascending tracts are pathways in the nervous system that carry sensory information from the body to the brain. These tracts are part of the central nervous system and are crucial for processing sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature. They help the brain interpret what is happening in the environment and within the body. The main ascending tracts include the spinothalamic tract, which transmits pain and temperature sensations, and the dorsal columns, which convey fine touch and proprioception. Understanding these tracts is essential for studying how the body perceives and responds to various stimuli.