Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the role of the cutaneous receptors in the dorsal column-medial lemniscus system?
Where do the axons from the cutaneous receptors synapse within the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway?
Which structure is involved in the crossing of the midline for sensory information in the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway?
After synapsing in the dorsal column nuclei, where do the axons travel next in the pathway?
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What is the final destination of the sensory information carried through the dorsal column-medial lemniscus system?
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Study Notes
The Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus System
- Sensory receptors in the skin detect stimuli, generating action potentials that travel along sensory neurons.
- These sensory neurons enter the spinal cord through the dorsal root and enter the dorsal horn.
- Within the dorsal horn, the axons synapse with neurons in the dorsal column nuclei.
- The axons of these neurons ascend in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord.
- In the medulla oblongata, these axons decussate (cross over to the opposite side of the brain).
- The decussated axons ascend in the medial lemniscus.
- In the thalamus, the axons synapse with neurons that project to the somatosensory cortex in the cerebrum.
- The thalamus processes the sensory information and relays it to the primary somatosensory cortex, where the sensation is perceived.
- The right side of the body is processed by the left somatosensory cortex; the left side is processed by the right.
- Skin receptors allow for sensation of touch, pressure, vibration, and proprioception (position sense)
- Dorsal column neurons are pseudounipolar: one axon extends to a peripheral receptor, and another to the spinal cord.
- The dorsal column system is responsible for carrying fine touch and proprioceptive information.
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Description
This quiz explores the dorsal column-medial lemniscus system, detailing how sensory receptors in the skin detect stimuli and transmit signals through the spinal cord. It covers key processes including synapsing in the dorsal horn and the crossover of axons in the medulla oblongata, leading to the somatosensory cortex. Test your understanding of this critical sensory pathway.
