Question

Be able to define and draw the arrangement of gray/white matter in the spinal cord (i.e., funiculi and horns). Be able to determine the structures/functions associated with each region (e.g., somatic motor neurons in the anterior horn deliver motor information away from the spinal cord).

Answer 1

The spinal cord is composed of gray and white matter. Gray matter contains the anterior horn (motor functions), posterior horn (sensory functions), and lateral horn (autonomic functions). White matter is organized into columns containing ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Structure of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a vital organ for neural communication between the brain and the body. Its structure is composed of an outer area of white matter and an inner region described as gray matter. The gray matter is shaped like a butterfly or a letter "H" and is divided into several segments known as horns.

The anterior horn houses somatic motor neurons that send motor signals to skeletal muscles. The posterior horn deals with sensory information processing while the lateral horn, found only in certain regions of the spinal cord, contains autonomic motor neurons.

The white matter of the spinal cord is organized into columns: the posterior columns contain ascending tracts carrying sensory information to the brain, while the anterior and lateral columns include both ascending sensory tracts and descending motor tracts that convey commands for movement.

Additionally, the spinal cord contains enlargements at the cervical and lumbar regions, which accommodate larger populations of neurons that coordinate sensorimotor activity for the limbs.