Nucleus proprius of spinal cord

Nucleus proprius is a significant part of the spinal cord that plays a crucial role in the human nervous system. It is a group of neurons located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain.

Anatomy

File:Nucleus proprius location.jpg

Location of Nucleus proprius in the spinal cord

The nucleus proprius is located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which is the posterior grey column of the spinal cord. It extends from the cervical to the sacral region. The neurons in the nucleus proprius are interneurons, which means they connect sensory and motor neurons.

Function

The primary function of the nucleus proprius is to transmit sensory information from the body to the brain. This includes information about touch, temperature, and pain. The neurons in the nucleus proprius receive this information from the peripheral nerves and send it to the brain via the spinothalamic tract.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the nucleus proprius can result in a loss of sensation, particularly the ability to feel pain and temperature. This can occur due to spinal cord injuries, diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, or surgical procedures.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Dorsal horn
• Spinothalamic tract
• Multiple sclerosis