Rexed laminae

Rexed laminae is a term used in neuroanatomy to refer to a system of ten layers of the spinal cord, identified by Bengt Ingemar Rexed in the mid-20th century. The Rexed laminae are used to describe the location of different types of neurons within the spinal cord.

Etymology

The term "Rexed laminae" is named after the Swedish neuroanatomist Bengt Ingemar Rexed who first described these layers in the 1950s.

Description

The Rexed laminae are a system of ten layers of the spinal cord, numbered I to X. Each layer, or lamina, contains a specific type of neuron. The layers are as follows:

• Lamina I: This layer is also known as the marginal zone. It contains neurons that respond to pain and temperature.
• Lamina II: Also known as the substantia gelatinosa, this layer contains interneurons that receive information about pain and temperature.
• Lamina III and IV: These layers are also known as the nucleus proprius. They contain interneurons that receive information about touch and pressure.
• Lamina V: This layer contains wide dynamic range neurons that receive input from Aβ, Aδ, and C fibers.
• Lamina VI: This layer is present only in the cervical and lumbosacral enlargements, and it receives proprioceptive information.
• Lamina VII: Also known as the intermediate zone, this layer contains interneurons and preganglionic sympathetic neurons.
• Lamina VIII: This layer contains interneurons involved in the control of movement.
• Lamina IX: This layer contains motor neurons that send axons out of the spinal cord to control muscles.
• Lamina X: This layer surrounds the central canal and contains neurons that receive information from the organs of the body.

Clinical significance

Understanding the Rexed laminae is important in the field of neurology and neurosurgery. Damage to specific laminae can result in different types of sensory or motor deficits, depending on the functions of the neurons in that lamina.

See also

• Grey matter
• Spinal cord
• Neuron

References

Rexed laminae Resources
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