Asked by Anabel Guajardo on May 04, 2024
Verified
Which structure is most capable of modulating sensory input?
A) Primary afferents
B) Secondary afferents
C) Substantia gelatinosa
D) Spinothalamic tract
Substantia Gelatinosa
Two layers of the dorsal horns of the spinal cord.
Secondary Afferents
Nerve fibers that transmit sensory signals from primary afferent neurons to the central nervous system for processing.
- Gain an understanding of the primary nervous system components responsible for pain sensation.
Verified Answer
VC
valencia caffasoMay 05, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
The substantia gelatinosa is a structure in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord that plays a crucial role in modulating sensory input. It receives input from both primary and secondary afferents, and can both amplify or reduce the signal that is sent to higher brain centers. The spinothalamic tract carries sensory information from the spinal cord to the thalamus, but does not play as direct a role in modulating sensory input. Primary afferents carry sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord, but do not have the capacity to modulate this input.
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding of the primary nervous system components responsible for pain sensation.