Anterior grey column

Anterior Grey Column The Anterior Grey Column (also known as the ventral horn, anterior horn, or motor horn) is a key component of the spinal cord. It is one of the three grey columns of the spinal cord; the other two being the posterior and lateral grey columns. The anterior grey column contains motor neurons that send axons via the ventral roots of the spinal nerves to terminate on effectors.

Structure

The anterior grey column is located at the front of the grey matter in the spinal cord. It is wider in the cervical and lumbar regions, where it contains neurons for the upper and lower limbs respectively. The anterior grey column is separated from the pia mater by a layer of white matter.

Function

The anterior grey column is primarily involved in motor function. It contains large motor neurons, which send their axons out of the spinal cord via the ventral roots to control muscles. These neurons are responsible for both voluntary and involuntary muscle movements.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the anterior grey column can result in various motor disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and poliomyelitis. In ALS, the motor neurons in the anterior grey column degenerate, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. In poliomyelitis, the virus specifically targets the motor neurons in the anterior grey column, causing paralysis.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Motor neuron
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Polio

References

Anterior grey column Resources
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