The gray matter of the spinal cord, when viewed in cross-section, is often described as having a butterfly or H-shaped structure.
This butterfly-shaped area is primarily composed of neuron cell bodies, also known as somas. These cell bodies are responsible for processing and transmitting information within the spinal cord. The "wings" of the butterfly, or the dorsal and ventral horns, contain distinct populations of neurons with specific functions:
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Dorsal (Posterior) Horns: These are responsible for receiving and processing sensory information from the body.
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Ventral (Anterior) Horns: These contain motor neurons, which control muscle movement.
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Lateral Horns: Present only in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord, these contain preganglionic sympathetic neurons, which are part of the autonomic nervous system and control functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.
The butterfly shape of the gray matter is crucial for the spinal cord's function as a relay station between the brain and the rest of the body. It allows for the efficient processing and transmission of sensory and motor signals.
