What is the dorsal column medial Lemniscal system?

The dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway (DCML) is a sensory pathway of the central nervous system. It conveys sensation of fine touch, vibration, pressure, two-point discrimination and proprioception (position) from the skin and joints.

What is the function of medial lemniscus?

The primary function of the medial lemniscus is as a second-order neuron of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway (DCML) is to transport the sensory spinothalamic information of conscious proprioception, vibration, fine touch, and 2-point discrimination of skin and joints of the body and head; from the caudal …

What does the medial lemniscus contain?

Location through the brainstem At the open medulla (further up the brainstem), the medial lemniscus contains axons from the trigeminal nerve (which supplies the head region), as well as the arms and legs.

What type of receptors are found in the dorsal column system?

In the case of the dorsal column system, these axons are called alpha-beta fibers. Alpha-beta axons are myelinated and measure from 6-12um in diameter. Their peripheral processes possess specialized receptors such as Meissner’s corpuscles, Merkel’s (tactile) discs and Pacinian corpuscles.

What happens if the dorsal column medial Lemniscal pathway is cut?

Damage to the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway below the crossing point of its fibers results in loss of vibration and joint sense (proprioception) on the same side of the body as the lesion. Damage above the crossing point result a loss of vibration and joint sense on the opposite side of the body to the lesion.

What is the function of fasciculus gracilis?

Fasciculus gracilis carries sensory information associated with the DCML pathway from the lower extremities and terminates and synapses at the nucleus gracilis in the caudal medulla. It is located medial relative to the fasciculus cuneatus and travels all along the spinal cord.

Where does ALS Decussate?

Decussation usually occurs 1-2 spinal nerve segments above the point of entry. The axons travel up the length of the spinal cord into the brainstem, specifically the rostral ventromedial medulla.

Is the medial lemniscus in the spinal cord?

The name dorsal-column medial lemniscus comes from the two structures that carry the sensory information: the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, and the medial lemniscus in the brainstem.

What could be a result of an injury to the dorsal column?

Loss of sensation to pressure and touch could be result of an injury to the dorsal column. EXPLANATION: The dorsal column is most important organ to maintain the body stability, sensation and joint actions. Damage to the ‘dorsal column’ may cause loss in sensation or perception and also certain reflex action.

Is fasciculus gracilis white or gray matter?

Peripherally, the main descending (corticospinal tract) and ascending (gracilis or cuneatus fasciculi and spinothalamic tracts) pathways compose the white matter. Centrally, the gray matter can be divided into multiple laminae.