NS & see a ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM The nervous system is divided: a.Functionally into somatic and autonomic divisions. b.Morphologically into central and peripheral divisions: 1, Central nervous system(CNS): Itis composed of the brain and the spinal cord. Il, Peripheral nervous system (PNS): itis composed of 4. The peripheral nerves, they include 12 pairs of cranial nerves and $1 pairs of ‘spinal nerves. 2. The nerve endings (receptors and effectors). 3.The ganglia (cranio-spinal and autonomic ganglia) OT) Types of Synapses ‘Synapse (relay) is a specialized area of —- “functional contact between neurons. Senaetic spi Through synapses nerve impulses y are transmitted from a presynaptic neuron to a postsynaptic neuron. Classification of synapses 4-According to the components:) a.Axodendritic: between axon and_ | [axesomatie dendrite (primary dendrite, second- ary dendrite or dendritic spine). b.Axosomatic: between axon and cell body, c.Axoaxonic: between twoaxons. d.Dendrodendritic: between two dendrites. N.B. Axodendritic and axosomatic synapses are commonly found in the nervous system while axoaxonic and dendrodendritic synapses are relatively rare. 2- According to the éffect'on the target neuron: a.Excitatory: if the stimulus at the site of synapse depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane. a balnhibitory: if the stimulus atthe site of synapse hyperpolarizes the postsy"@™ tic membrane. 3- According to the histological structure of the synapse: a.Electrical synapse: few in the nervous system. - Structure: it is formed of gap junctions) - Function: it allows movement of ions between neurons “electrical coupling” @ osTe on: thus permits the direct spread of electrical current from one cell to another. . Transmission of impuls: neurotransmitters. lirect, bidirectional and does not require release of b.Chemical synapse: the common mode of communication between neurons. - Structure: with EM, chemical synapse is formed of: 4.Terminal bouton "synaptic knob": it is a bulbous expansion found at the termi- nation of the axon. It contains numerous mitochondria and many synaptic vesicles assembled around the presynaptic membrane. These mem- brane- bounded synaptic vesicles are filled with the neurotransmitter e.g. acetylcholine and biogenic amines. 2.Presynaptic membrane: itis the elec- tron dense membrane of the axon terminal at the site of synapse. 3.Synaptic cleft: it is a gap of 20 nm between the pre and postsynaptic membranes. Into this gap the neuro- transmitter is released by exocytosi: 4.Postsynaptic membrane: itis the elec- tron dense membrane of the target neuron at the site of synapse. It ‘xon terminal synaptic vesicles synapse dendrites postsynaptic Feceptor membrane The chemical synapse contains the specific receptors for the neurotransmitter. - Transmission of impulse: indirect, unidirectional and requires the release of neurotransmitters. They are collections of nerve cell bodies, covered by a connective tissue capsule and lie outside the CNS in the pathway of nerves. There are two types of ganglia: |. Cranio-spinal ganglia (sensory ganglia). |. Autonomic ganglia: either sympathetic or parasympathetic ganglia. Few &arranged ‘ganglion cells ‘Small scattered ‘ganglion cells ™ Pseudounipolar neuron Multipolar neuron irregular se The autonomic ganglionMorphology Capsule CT septa Ganglion cells - Nucleus - Size - Number - Capsule cells - Arrangement Nerve fibers Synapses Function Cranio-spinal ganglia Associated with same cranial and all spinal nerves (dorsal root ganglia) Larger & oval Thick Thick & run paralle! to the capsule Pseudounipolar - Central - Larger -Few - Complete capsule of satellite cells - Arranged in groups Thick, mostly myelinated and parallel to the capsule Not present Sensory Zé Nerve endings are biological transmitters which are classified as follows: I. Motor nerve endings (effectors): They are terminals of axons which transmit impulses from the CNS to the muse? fibers to contract (motor end plate) or to glandular cells to secrete. Il. Sensory nerve endings (receptors): ‘ They receive various forms of physical and chemical stimuli. Following wa stimulation, the resulting receptor potentials are transmitted as sensory INP the CNS” Autonomic ganglia Along the sympathetic chain and the parasympathetic nerves Smaller & rounded Thin Thinner & run irregularly Multipolar, stellate - Eccentric - Smaller Numerous - Incomplete layer of satellite cells - Scattered all over Thin, mostly unmyelinated and irregularly distributed Present between the prega- nglionic fibers and the multi- polar ganglion cells Motor (visceral) Cort alHairy skin Glabrous skin Merkel's Dermis disc Hair follicle B if 2 Hypodermis Pacinian corpuscle Meissner’s corpuscle Ruffini’s ending Free nerve endings According to their histological structure, receptors can be classified into: A. Non-encapsulated receptors: SS They are not covered by a connective. SS tissue capsule. These include: 4. Free nerve endings: These are naked nerve endings (unmyelinated & without neurilemma). These include: : (A) Pain receptors (nociceptors): Pain receptor ‘Thermoreceptor Site: f yo - In epithelium, they penetrate the (ss a A basement membrane and branch mn freely in-between the epithelial cells. + In the skin, they reach up to the granular layer of the epidermis. + Inthe corneal and buccal mucosa... | - In the connective tissue of the tympanic membrane and dental pulp. (B) Thermoreceptors: <2") 7 Site: they ramify in the (papillary layer)of the ’)\9_ skin andrunat dermo-epidermal junction paral- Jul? leltothe skin surface. 3 nnn oe (C) Plexus of Bounet (peritrichial free nerve endings): Site: they ramify around the hair follicles. Function: they are sensitive to hair and touch (mechanoreceptors). Plexus of BounetONS & SPECIAL SENSES j 2. Merkel's disc | ki Site: present in the deep layer of the epidermis of the skin. Structure: the naked nerve fibers penetrate the basemant membrane ap, end ag expanded tactile discs.\The discs are associated with Merkel’s cays, the basal layer of the skin epidermis. Function: mechanoreceptors, sensitive to fine | touch. B. Encapsulated receptors: They are more specializediand exhibit a characteristic CT capsule. These includ 4. Meissner’s corpuscles: —_______§ Site: * They are present in the\dermal papillad especially ge inthick skimtand more in the palmar surface of the 1S of fingers and plantar surface of the feet. + In the skin of lips and nipples.) — Shape: small encapsulated oval structure lying with its long axis: perpendicular to the surface of the skin. Structure: the corpuscle consists of flattened Schwann cells that are (transversely-arrangéd ) within the corpuscle. 7 Meissner's corpuscle | Innervation: the sensory nerve fiber loses its (_————— myelin and neurilemmal sheaths, enters the corpuscle from its lower pole and runs a spiral course giving branches b 2 cells of the corpuscle. Function: mechanoreceptors for fine touch. \ 2.Pacinian corpuscles: i Site: + Lie deep in the dermis and hypodermis of the skin; numerous in thedingers,external genitalia and breast.) nanan *They are also present in thé skeletal muscles) Cfendons'and joint capsules, + Inthe CTof viscera (pancreas and urinary bladder). Shape: large ovoid encapsulated corpuscle. Structure: the‘core of the corpuscle is formed of 30- layers Of flattened Schwann cells and fibroblasts. These layers are separated by intercettlar spacescontaining collagen fibers and tissue fluid. So in histological section it appears like a sliced onion. Innervation: the nerve fiber loses its sheaths on in the long axis through the central core to en corpuscle. Function: mechanoreceptors for touch, pressure and vibration sensatio”- Pacinian corpuscle entering the corpuscle, rut® d at the opposite pole of the J(ONS & SPECIAL SENSES, 3. Ruffini’s corpuscles: lie deep in the dermis, oriented parallel to the skin surface (more in the soles). Structure: Ruffini's corpuscule is afmall elongatedstructurégontain- ing collagen Tibersvand-fibroblasts> and is surrounded by thip CT capsule. Innervation: the nerve fiber enters from the side bf the corpuscle, loses its myelin and branches repeatedly between the collagen fibers. It is stimu- lated by displacementof the collagen fibers. Function: mechanoreceptors fof pressure Sensation. 4- Muscle spindles: Site: they are distributed between the skeletal muscle fibers mainly near the (Musculo-tendinous junctions.) ‘Structure: the spindle is an encapsulated fusiform)structure situated parallel to the muscle fibers and attached to them by its ends. So, when the muscle is. stretched, the spindle is stimulated. The muscle spindle is formed of 2‘types of small, modified muscle fioers called the intrafusal muscle fiberd (to distinguish them from the ordinary extrafusal skeletal muscle fibers).-The intrafusal fibers are present in the interior of the spindle's cavity that is filled with gelatinous substance. Innervation: both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) nerve fibers pierce the CT capsule and supply the intrafusal muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle Peripheral nerve (motor & sensory nerve fibers) \ The muscle spindle SS ttn nae [istlogialsructure of muscle spindle] Function: they are specialized for monitoring changes in length and the degree of stretch of the muscle (stretch reflex receptor). eee stretchONS & SPECIAL SENSES t ‘Types of intrafusal muscle fibers: Nuclear chain Nuclear bag Number (24ina spindle (6-8)ina spindle Length Longer Shorter Width Wider Narrower : Shape and —_The central non-contractile The central non-contractile region nuclei region is expanded like abag and isnot expanded and contains nucjej Sensory nerves 4- Primary afferent contains many aggregated nuclei arranged in the form of chain Afferent myelinated nerve fibers of two types: Thick axons which encircle the nuclear region of the 2 types of intrafusal fibers fibers (Annulospiral endings) 2-Secondry Absent afferent fibers ( Flower spray endings) Motor nerve (Efferent fibers) 9amina ‘motor neurons of cord. They innervate the pe the intrafusal fibers and end i (Smalle? axons which end at the peripheral part of “the nuclear region > ¢ S_ ® Fine myelinated gamma \efferent fibers, arising from small re anterior horn of the spinal ripheral contractile regions of in motor end plates. Their princi- pal role is to maintain the sensitivity of the muscle spindle 5- Tendon spindles “Golgi tendon organs": Site: in the tendong near the musculo- tendinous junction. Structure: they are‘mailer han muscle spindles and contain a group Of wavy\\ ( Collagen fibers)instead of the intrafusal muscle fibers. = Innervation: the ‘sensory nerve fiber loses its myelin, enters the spindle and gives multiple branches that ramify between the collagen fibers|No motor nerve endings are present. Function: they are stimulated by straight.) ening of collagen fibers of muscle tendon. They are specialized for monitoring the Ls malas es ‘Muscle fibers CT capsule Afferent nerve fibers Axon" Collagen fibrils The tendon spindle force (tension) of muscle contraction.ONS & SPECIAL SENSES E CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord; they are enclosed within the meninges and protected inside bony cavities. Histologically, the (CNS is formed of grey and white matter. The grey matter Itis called grey because its color in the fresh state is grey. Itis composed of : -Acomplex of nerve cell bodies, -Nerve fibers (mostly unmyelinated), ~Anetwork of neuroglia, - Afich capillary bed. The white matter itis called white because its color in the fresh state is white. It is composed of : ~ Bundles of nerve fibers (mostly myelinated), : - Anetwork of neuroglia, ae ‘Fewer blood capillaries. THE CEREBRUM ‘The cerebral hemispheres consist of a convoluted cortex of grey matter gi r overlying the central medullary mass of white matter. The grey matter ofthe cerebral cortex is approxi- mately 1.5- 4 mm thick’and it has a very extensive surface area provided by the convo- luted gyri separated by sulci and fissures." The white matter of the cerebral hemispheres contains collection of nerve cells called the basal "components that can be identified in a section of the cerebral cortex are: -Cell bodies of neurons, which are arranged in horizontally disposed layers laminae), - Supporting neuroglia cells eg. astrocytes. ~Blood capillaries. (pilus = felt = meshwork);cs & SPECIAL SENSES In H&E Bection the neuropil appears homogenous pale blue grey in color, e electron microscope the neuropil is formed of: s and processes of astrocytes with the processes of neurons form, ing, By ~ Cell boc tangled network, oe - Intercellular spaces containing {issue fluid. > - This arrangement permit§ diffusio between capillaries and neuréng Which ap, very sensitive to changes of oxygen and blood sugar level Types of neurons in the cerebral cortex H: horizontal cell, F: fusiform cell, M: cells of Martinotti, S: stellate cell, P: pyramidal cell 4. Pyramidal cells: ~ They have a pyramidal cell body with the apex directed to the cortical surface; # cornice sume thick apical dendrite passes towards the surface where it ends into fine branches. - The axon arises from the middle of the base of the cell and passes into the underly Ne OF the ce ing white matter. 2. Stellate cell Awide variety of stellate cells are distinguished i in the cortex: ore a. Horizontal cells of Cajal:they are sina, spindle-shaped and oriented parallel ® the surface. They are found in the mdst superficiat-layer where their axons ef laterally to synapse with the dendrites of pyramidal cells, (a ko tend ve 4. Granule cells: the name granule cells came from the fact that these cells are a and densely-packed giving a granular appearance. They have numerous brane ing dendrites and a single short axqn which may ascend to the cortical surface” @ Z halondescend to the underlying layers. Granule cells are present in(all lesct ONS & SPECIAL Senses, cortical laminae. itorm cells: they are spindle-shaped cells oriented at right angles to the surface c. Fus : jae ofcerebral cortex. The axon arises from the side of the cell body and passes Supe ficially> 4, Cells of Martinotti: they are small cells with long axon which extends towards the " surface and bifurcates horizontally in the superficial layer of the cortex. = \ Arrangement of layers of the cerebral cortex In a typical section in thecmiotor area, six layers can be identified on the basis of the shape of the predominant cells and fibers. The layers are arranged from surface inwards as follows: > 1. The molecular layer (p) lexiform layer) (I): ~ It consists chiefly of fibers and contains few cell bodies. The fibers are: ‘Bpicalendrites of the pyramidal cells, “Axons of the underlying granule cells and the cells of Martinotti. ~ ~The fibers run parallel to the surface. ~The cell_bodies are of the horizontal neurons of Cajal. 2. The external granular layer (Il): At coritains many densely-packed granule Cells giving it a granular appearance. 3. The external pyramidal cell layer (III): It contains ¢mall'& medium dal cells which increase in decrease in number in the dee Of this layer. @pyrami- size and per parts 4. The internal granular layer (vy: 'tcontains densely-packed granule cell bodies. 5. The internal Pyramidal cell layer (gan, -Itcontains medi ~The most important (Betz celis), ~ Betz cells Constitute the’ the pyramidal tr: & tata Itis the dee, & shapes, Molecular L. I 0 External Granular L External m1 Pyramidal L. iv Internal Granular L. Internal v Pyramidal L. Polymorphic 1. - The white matter lionic layer) (V): ized’& large-sized pyramidal cells. feature of the motor areais its content of | jiant pyramidal cells) a (Gnsy motor neurons with their axons extend as fibers of acts in the brain stem and spinal cord. lymorphic layer (multiform layer)(ViJ7 pest and broadest layer in the cortex. The cells of this layer have parables (fusiform, triangular and ovoid). The cells. of Martinotti are prominent in this layer © ee S é @8 A MENNES Cytoarchitecture of some cerebral areas al structure (laminar pattern) % th The cerebral cortex shows the same gener perform different functions, certain modifications in some cortical areas to 1. The motor area (precentral gyrus): Itis of thecayranular cytological type. It has few scattered granule colts, why, the pyramidal ce layers are well-developed. Betz cells are found in the interna pyramidal layer. 2. The sensory area (postcentral gyrus)? It is of the granular cytological type The granular layers are well-developeg, whereas the pyramidal layers are ill-defined due to the small size and fey number of their pyramidal cells. ue coverings of the brain and spinal cord, The meninges are the 3 connective tiss! These meninges are: 4- Pia mater (tender mother) « Itis the innermost, highly vascular layer of the meninges. The pia is intimately applied to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, following their contours and extending into the sulci and fissures. - The pia mater does not come into contact -with the neural tissue as a thin layer of neuroglial processes is always inter- posed between them. Pia mater consists primarily of 2 layers: - An outer layer of continuous flat cells. - A deeper layer of fine collagenous and elastic fibers. The choroid plexuses are highly vascular- ised projections of pia mater extending into the brain ventricles. The choroid contains many fenestrated capillaries and is covered by simple cuboidal (ependymal) cells that produce the CSF inside the brain ventricles. 2- Arachnoid layer (spider's web) Itis the intermediate layer of the meninges. It does not enter into the sulci of the brain and it is avascular, although the blood vessels course through it in thei" way to the pia mater. It consists of: - Numerous arachnoid trabeculae of delicate connective tissue forming ® network and covered by flat trabecular cells. - The space between the pia and arachnoid is called the subarachnoid sP#" which is filled with the CSF and traversed by the arachnoid trabeculae.The arachnoid villi & arachnoid granulations: which are peduncu- lated projections from the arachnoid extending inside the venous sinuses of the dura. They are essential for the normal circulation and reabsorption of CSF as they transport it from the subarachnoid space back to the venous system. Dura mater (tough mother) It is the outermost layer, made of dense fibrous connective tissue. The dura is composed of 2 layers: The outer endosteal layer: it is the periosteum of the inner surface of the cranial vault and the vertebral canal. ¥ ONS & SPECIAL SENSES. Arachnid trabeculae The brain meninges The inner meningeal layer: it contains fibroblasts and small blood vessels. At certain regions, the 2 layers of the dura are separated to form the dural venous sinuses that drain blood and CSF from the brain. The subdural space: itis a potential space between the dura and arachnoid, as. it appears only after head injury resulting in subdural hemorrhage when blood forces the 2 layers apart. The epidural spac : it is the space between the dura and the bony walls of the vertebral canal. It is filled with fat and venous plexus. The Brain Barriers The neural tissue of the brain and spinal cord are protected by several barriers which preserve the homeostasis (internal environment) of the CNS. These are: 1- Blood- brain barrier: itis highly selective barrier that prevents the passage of harmful materials e.g. toxins, foreign proteins and some drugs. In addition, it allows the exchange ©f gases (O2,COz) and many simple solutions (glucose) essen- tial for nutrition of neurons. The blood- brain barrier is estab- lished by 2 mechanisms: !-The specific microscopic struc- ture of CNS capillaries which is formed of: i @ Ccaptary Aatroer Structure of the blood brain barrier of the CNS with tight (Sccluding) @ ©junctions between the lining endothelial cells. ~ The CNS capillaries are invested by'continuou: - Neuroglial processes (end feet of astrocytes) that completely surroung thy blood capillaries, Il. The physiological transport system: that controls the endothelial permeaty of blood- borne substances. The trans- endothelial transport of CNS capillarie, is completely restricted to receptor- mediated transport with very fevypinogy, totic vesicles. 2. Blood-CSF barrier: it keeps the chemical stability of the CSF different from that of the blood plasma. This barrier is formed of the tight junctions between th€ ependymal cells bf the Choroid plexus, 3- Brain- CSF barrier: it separates the CSF from the surrounding brain tissue. Itis formedof: - The @pendymal cells)lining the brain ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord oe ' - The interconnecting processes of the{subependymal neuroglial cells. SPINAL CORD A transverse section shows that the spinal cord is a bilateral structure, consisting of central grey matter and peripheral white matter. The two halves are separated posteriorly by the postero-median septum (sulcus) and anteriorly by the antero- median fissure. They are continuous in the intermediate zone through the grey and the white commissures. The central canal is always present in the middle of the grey commissure. Grey matter of the spinal cord Cental aa dorsal roots Dorsal ce Posterior mean sulcus ‘umn Dorsal root Spinal nerve | pees Der spinal nerve ‘eterioe aden iat ental column TS. of spinal cord showing the general internal structurethe cerebrum and cerebellum, the grey matter in the spinal cord is unlike e position. \eentral ae in grey matter are aggregated into large and small nuclei. ie a in NS: it is a group of nerve cells lying close to each other and A nuc! t SS jing the same function. each side, the grey matter is divided into three horns, also called grey a i aan These are: ventral horn, dorsal horn and lateral horn, whose shapes c Z 1 ; and sizes differ in different regions of the spinal cord. 4- The ventral horn (anterior horn)(motor nuclei): substantia gelatinosa Nucleus proprius Nucleus dorsalis "— Dorso-lateral N. (__ Ventro-lateral N. Dorso-medial N. Central N. Ventro-medial N.. RO Omura This horn is broad in the cervical and lumbosacral segments (greater amount of grey matter for the innervation of muscles of upper and lower limbs). !tcontaing large\multipolar lower motor neurons (efferent neurons) of the motor system. Thé axons of these cells form the motor fibers emerging in the anterior root, of spinal nerves. Neurons of the ventral horn are divide ito 3. groups of nuclei: + The medial group: it is further subdivided into the ventro-medial, and the dorso- medial nuclei which are represented in all segments of the spinal cord. ~The central group: i is only present in the cervical and lumbosacral enlargements. Inthe cervical region it is present from C3 to C7land is termed phrenic nucleus. The lateral group: it is further subdivided into the ventro-lateral, and the dorso- ‘ateral nuciei.They are like the central groupi.e. presentin the cervical, lumbar and(ONS & SPECIAL SENSES sacral segments, but absent in the thoracic region. 2- The dorsal horn (posterior horn)(sensory nuclei): The cells of the dorsal horn ard small multipolar neurons (afferent neurons) 4, belong to the sensory system (they receive and process sensory input). They ,,, grouped into 3 main nucl - The substantia gelatinosa of Rolandi: which is associated with the sensory pay, way of pain’and temperature-and gives rise to the lateral spinothalamic tract, 4, ta ‘ented in all segments of the spinal cor, present at the tip of the horn and is repres f : - The nucleus proprius (main sensory nucleus): which is associated with th, sensory pathway of touch and gives rise to the ventral spinothalamic tract lies in the central part of the horn and is represented in all segments of thy spinal cord. - The nucleus dorsalis of Clarke (nucleus thoracicus) (Clarke's column): whicr is associated with (proprioceptive sensation. The axons of its cells give ri the spinocerebellar tracts. It lies at the base of the dorsal horn only frot L3 segments. e grey matter) (sympathetic nuclei 2 segments. It is found between the dorsal ang di 3 - The lateral horn (interme: This horn appears only from< Li ventral horns. The cells are Small. multipolar neurons, belonging to the au nervous system (thoraco-lumbar outflow); their axons form the preganglioi pathetic nerve fibers. N.B: In S2, S3 & S4 the autonomic neurons in the intermediate grey matter give the preganglionic parasympathetic outflow\without forming a lateral horn Associative nuclei are found inall the grey matter (anterior and postericr horns); they are formed of smalll nerve cells with short axons and are essentialit local spinal cord function. They are of two types: A-Commissural neurons, whose axons cross to the opposite side. B- Intersegmental neurons, whose axons ascend and descend for fe! segments on the same side. White matter of the spinal cord The white matter occupies the peripheral region of the spinal cord. It is subdivide? by the two horns of the grey matter in each half into three columns. These are: dorsal white column, the ventral white column and the lateral white column. Myelinated’nerve fibers in the white matter are longitudinally-arranged in asce"™ ing and descending tracts. A tract in CNS :itis a group of nerve fibers having the same origin and terminati@” and carrying the same function.CONS & SPECIAL SENSES cts of the spinal cord ‘Septomarginal T. come Comma- shaped T. Cuneate T. Lissauer's T. ct ; te Dorsal fasciculus proprius esti: & peice Dorsal spino- spin Ts Lateral cortico spinal T. Rubro- spinal T. Ventral spino. ‘cerebellar T. ral fasciculs proprius ‘Ventral fasciculs proprius Ventral eee Nentral spino- Sesto. Sulco- marginal T. ii reticulo spinal Ts. |__Ventral cortico- spinal T. Moet ee] he tracts of the spinal cord are classified int Short tracts: begin and end)within the s 1) The fasciculi to short and long tracts: pinal cord. They are associative in function. roprii (the spino-spinal tracts) They lie just outside the grey matter, surroun ing itlike a ring and called ventral fasciculus proprius, dorsal fasciculus proprius and lateral fasciculus proprius. The fib Se tracts ascend and descend for few segments. The fasciculi Proprii Coordinate the function of different segments of ti 0 2) The comma-shaped tract (the fasciculus inter _ It lies between the two long tracts of the dorsal Cuneate tracts. This short tract is found above the mid-thoracic level i.e in the cervical and upper 6 thoracic segments. It carries proprioceptive fibers to the anterior horn cells, to direct\the stretch r Feflex arcs in the upper half of the body The septomarginal tract: : _ This tract lies along the postero-median septun)below the mid-thoracic level. Itcarries proprioceptive fibers to the anterior horn cells, to direct the stretch 'eflex arcs in the lower half of the body. column; the gracile andee CONS A SPECIAL SENSES lateral tract of Lissauer): \ Itarises from small neurons in the dorsal root ganglion then, Passes as ng, sal root into the spinal cord. Iteng.. sal . myelinated nerve fibers through the dor: the tip of the dorsal horn to relay in the substantia gelatinosa of Roland, constitutes a part of the pain and temperature sensation pathway and con," ues after that with the lateral spinothalamic B. Long tracts: : 7 1) Ascending (sensory) tracts: arise from the nerve cells inthe spinal gang or from the nerve cells of the posterior horns, and end in higher sensory cen ers. They are of two types: A Tracte cad sensations that will finally reach the cerebral corte, These are: - Gracile & cuneate tracts. - Lateral spinothalamic tract. 4) The Lissauer’s tract (dorso- tract. - Ventral spinothalamic tract. sae regan rept ec llcock cosh Yom mrs Sar¥ ty in the subconscious level, the cerebellum or midbrain. These are - Dorsal & ventral spinocerebellar tracts - Spino-olivary tract. - Spinotactal tract. —— ane 2) Descending (motor) tracts: begin in higher motor centers in the cerebrs cortex and brain stem and end in the anterior and lateral horns of the spina cord. They includ i A- Pyramidal tracts: - The ventral corticospinal tract ( uncrossed pyramidal tract ). - The lateral corticospinal tract ( crossed pyramidal tract ) B- Extra-pyramidal tracts: - Rubrospinal tract. - Lateral and ventral (medial ) reticulospinal tracts. - Lateral and ventral (medial ) tectospinal tracts. - Lateral and ventral (medial ) vestibulospinal tracts. -Sulcomai ie reliedONS & SPECIAL SENSES, Cervical ; Thoracic or g Sacral Ventral horns _ White matter relative to grey matter Postero- intermediate sulcus Tracts missing Cervical level Thoracic level Large Small Oval Rounded More anterior Anterior Thin& divergent Thin Thick Thin Large amount Large amount Present Present in upper 6 segments. Why? Septomarginal. Absent from the Why? lower 6 segments: -Cuneate - Comma. Why? Lumbar level Large Rounded ‘Central \ Thick Thick Little amount Absent The missing tracts in the thoracic level + - Ventral cortico- spinal - Dorsal spino- cerebellar. Why? Sacral level Small Quadrilateral Posterior Thick Thick Very little amount Absent The missing tracts in the lumbar level