the anterior and posterior funiculi are composed of ______ matter.
The anterior and posterior funiculi are composed of ______ matter
Answer:
The anterior and posterior funiculi are composed of white matter. To provide you with a more detailed understanding, here’s an in-depth look at what this means:
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Anatomy of the Spinal Cord:
- The spinal cord is a crucial part of the central nervous system, and it is divided into different regions which include the anterior (ventral), posterior (dorsal), and lateral parts. Inside the spinal cord, there are specific regions known as funiculi (singular: funiculus) which are bundles of nerve fibers.
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White Matter vs. Gray Matter:
- The spinal cord’s tissue is made up of “white matter” and “gray matter.”
- White Matter: This consists mainly of myelinated axons, which give it a white appearance due to the presence of myelin. These axons are the long projections of neurons that transmit nerve impulses.
- Gray Matter: This consists mainly of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. It appears grayish because it lacks myelin.
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Function of White Matter:
- The white matter in the anterior and posterior funiculi is responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the spinal cord and between the spinal cord and the brain. It contains ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts.
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Anterior (Ventral) Funiculus:
- The anterior or ventral funiculus lies on the front part of the spinal cord. It carries motor signals from the brain to the body and also some sensory signals from the body to the brain.
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Posterior (Dorsal) Funiculus:
- The posterior or dorsal funiculus is located at the back part of the spinal cord. It primarily carries sensory information from the body to the brain, particularly touch, pressure, and proprioception (sense of body position).
Final Answer:
The anterior and posterior funiculi are composed of white matter.