Spinal Cord Anatomy
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Spinothalamic Pathway (Pain & Temperature)
Pain and Temperature receptors are mainly free nerve endings. Axons of the primary afferent neurons are nonmyelinated (C-fibers) or thin myelinated axons (A-delta fibers) that bifurcate in the dorsolateral fasciculus.
Throughout the length of the spinal cord, projection neurons are concentrated in the marginal nucleus and nucleus proprius of the dorsal horn. Axons of the projection neurons decussate (cross) and ascend in the spinothalamic tract to reach the contralateral thalamus.
Thalamic projection neurons send axons through the internal capsule to the somesthetic area of the cerebral cortex.
Throughout the length of the spinal cord, projection neurons are concentrated in the marginal nucleus and nucleus proprius of the dorsal horn. Axons of the projection neurons decussate (cross) and ascend in the spinothalamic tract to reach the contralateral thalamus.
Thalamic projection neurons send axons through the internal capsule to the somesthetic area of the cerebral cortex.
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