Dorsal horn
Dorsal Horn
The Dorsal Horn (pronunciation: /ˈdɔːrsəl hɔːrn/) is a region located at the rear of the spinal cord that receives several types of sensory information from the body.
Etymology
The term "Dorsal Horn" is derived from the Latin word "dorsum" which means back, and the Old English word "horn" which refers to a pointed or projecting part.
Anatomy
The Dorsal Horn is one of the two main areas of grey matter found in the spinal cord. It is located at the back of the spinal cord, opposite the ventral horn. The Dorsal Horn is responsible for receiving sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception (the sense of body position).
Function
The primary function of the Dorsal Horn is to serve as a relay station for sensory information. It receives signals from sensory neurons in the body and sends them to the brain for processing. This information is then used to coordinate responses to stimuli, such as moving away from a hot object or adjusting body position to maintain balance.
Related Terms
- Spinal Cord: The main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system.
- Ventral Horn: The front part of the spinal cord that contains motor neurons.
- Grey Matter: A major component of the central nervous system, consisting of neuronal cell bodies, neuropil, glial cells, synapses, and capillaries.
- Sensory Neurons: Nerve cells within the nervous system responsible for converting external stimuli from the organism's environment into internal electrical impulses.
- Proprioception: The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dorsal horn
- Wikipedia's article - Dorsal horn
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