Identify the structure at the arrow and its functional classification in the nervous system.

Identify the structure at the arrow and its functional classification in the nervous system.

• A. Dorsal horn - Sensory
• B. Ventral horn - Motor
• C. Dorsal horn - Motor
• D. Ventral horn - Sensory

Answer: (A)

The dorsal (posterior) horn of the spinal cord’s gray matter is where sensory information is processed. It receives afferent input from the body via the dorsal roots and communicates with interneurons or projection neurons to relay sensation up to the brain. That’s why this structure is classified as sensory. In contrast, the ventral horn houses motor neurons that send signals to skeletal muscles through the ventral roots, which is why it’s associated with motor function. So, an arrow pointing to the dorsal horn aligns with a sensory role.

The dorsal (posterior) horn of the spinal cord’s gray matter is where sensory information is processed. It receives afferent input from the body via the dorsal roots and communicates with interneurons or projection neurons to relay sensation up to the brain. That’s why this structure is classified as sensory. In contrast, the ventral horn houses motor neurons that send signals to skeletal muscles through the ventral roots, which is why it’s associated with motor function. So, an arrow pointing to the dorsal horn aligns with a sensory role.