Dorsal Root (Noun)
Meaning
One of two roots of a spinal nerve that passes dorsally from the spinal cord and that consists of sensory fibers.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The dorsal root ganglia, which contain the cell bodies of the sensory neurons, are located just outside the spinal cord on the dorsal root of the spinal nerve.
- In a typical spinal nerve, the dorsal root enters the spinal cord in the posterior root, transmitting sensory information.
- Sensory nerve fibers in the dorsal root convey sensations from the skin, muscles, and other parts of the body back to the spinal cord and ultimately the brain.
- Dorsal roots can become compressed due to degenerative conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, causing back and leg pain.
- Sensory signals carried through the dorsal root may also interact with interneurons and motor neurons in the spinal cord, which play roles in coordinating movements.