Final answer:
Pain and temperature sensations are transmitted through the non-specific ascending spinothalamic pathway to the brain, unlike specific pathways like the dorsal column pathway for touch. Among the options presented, pain best exemplifies a sensation that ascends via a non-specific pathway.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept in question pertains to sensory pathways and their classification based on the type of information they convey to the brain. The spinothalamic pathway is known to carry non-specific stimuli such as pain and temperature, distinguishing it from other sensory pathways like the dorsal column pathway, which carries fine touch, vibration, and proprioception. When tested for proper function using sub-modality assessment, the spinothalamic pathway provides specific information regarding the ability of this ascending pathway to convey these particular sensations accurately to the brain.
Given the options provided, pain and temperature are known to ascend via the spinothalamic pathway, which is a non-specific ascending pathway. Arousal, although not explicitly discussed in the provided references, can be associated with the reticular activating system, which is a more complex and diffuse pathway. Therefore, when considering 'nonspecific ascending pathway,' pain and temperature adhere most strictly to the traditional definition, with pain being one that has distinct pathways described.