Which surface feature marks the dorsal (posterior) surface of the spinal cord?

Which surface feature marks the dorsal (posterior) surface of the spinal cord?

• A. Dorsal median sulcus
• B. Ventral/anterior median fissure
• C. Central canal
• D. Lateral horn

Answer: (A)

On the back of the spinal cord, a shallow groove runs along the midline—the dorsal median sulcus. This groove marks the dorsal (posterior) surface and helps orient the cord, distinguishing the back from the front where the ventral/anterior median fissure lies. The central canal is a small CSF-filled cavity at the center of the cord, not a surface feature, and the lateral horn is a lateral extension of gray matter seen in certain segments, not a surface groove.

On the back of the spinal cord, a shallow groove runs along the midline—the dorsal median sulcus. This groove marks the dorsal (posterior) surface and helps orient the cord, distinguishing the back from the front where the ventral/anterior median fissure lies. The central canal is a small CSF-filled cavity at the center of the cord, not a surface feature, and the lateral horn is a lateral extension of gray matter seen in certain segments, not a surface groove.