The dorsal columns are a pair of pathways located in the spinal cord that carry sensory information from the body to the brain. They primarily transmit signals related to touch, pressure, and proprioception, which is the sense of body position. This information is crucial for coordinating movement and maintaining balance. These columns consist of two main tracts: the gracile fasciculus and the cuneate fasciculus. The gracile fasciculus carries information from the lower body, while the cuneate fasciculus serves the upper body. Once the signals reach the brain, they are processed in the somatosensory cortex, allowing us to perceive and respond to our environment.