Dorsal columns

Dorsal columns are a key part of the anatomy of the spinal cord. They are responsible for carrying certain types of sensory information from the body to the brain. The dorsal columns are made up of the fasciculus gracilis and the fasciculus cuneatus, which carry information about touch, pressure, and body position.

Anatomy

The dorsal columns are located in the dorsal (posterior) part of the spinal cord. They are made up of two separate tracts: the fasciculus gracilis and the fasciculus cuneatus. The fasciculus gracilis carries sensory information from the lower part of the body, while the fasciculus cuneatus carries information from the upper part of the body.

Function

The dorsal columns carry sensory information from the body to the brain. This information includes touch, pressure, and proprioception (the sense of the position of the body and its parts). The information travels up the spinal cord to the brain, where it is processed and interpreted.

Clinical significance

Damage to the dorsal columns can result in a loss of these types of sensory information. This can lead to a condition known as dorsal column syndrome, which is characterized by a loss of fine touch, vibration, and proprioception. Treatment for dorsal column syndrome typically involves managing the underlying cause of the damage, such as a spinal cord injury or a disease like multiple sclerosis.

See also

• Spinal cord
• Fasciculus gracilis
• Fasciculus cuneatus
• Dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway
• Dorsal column syndrome

References

Dorsal columns Resources
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