The axons that form the ventral roots originate from neurons located in which spinal cord region?

The axons that form the ventral roots originate from neurons located in which spinal cord region?

• A. Dorsal horn
• B. Lateral horn
• C. Ventral horn
• D. Central canal

Answer: (C)

Motor neuron cell bodies that give rise to the ventral roots are located in the ventral (anterior) horn of the spinal cord’s gray matter. These neurons—the lower motor neurons—send their axons out through the ventral roots to innervate skeletal muscles, producing voluntary and reflex motor actions. In contrast, sensory pathways use the dorsal roots (originating from the dorsal root ganglion), and the lateral horn houses autonomic preganglionic neurons in many segments. The central canal is just the CSF-filled cavity. So the ventral roots originate from neurons in the ventral horn.

Motor neuron cell bodies that give rise to the ventral roots are located in the ventral (anterior) horn of the spinal cord’s gray matter. These neurons—the lower motor neurons—send their axons out through the ventral roots to innervate skeletal muscles, producing voluntary and reflex motor actions. In contrast, sensory pathways use the dorsal roots (originating from the dorsal root ganglion), and the lateral horn houses autonomic preganglionic neurons in many segments. The central canal is just the CSF-filled cavity. So the ventral roots originate from neurons in the ventral horn.