Question

functional organization of the spinal cord
jessica (she/her) sustained damage to her spinal cord in a car accident. she has no difficulty moving her arm but has lost some sensation in her arm. what part of her spinal cord must have been injured?
lateral horn of spinal gray matter
corticospinal tract of spinal white matter
anterior horn of spinal gray matter
posterior horn of spinal gray matter

Explanation:

• The lateral horn of spinal gray matter is related to the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic neurons), not directly to motor - sensory functions in the arm as described.
• The corticospinal tract of spinal white matter is mainly involved in motor function. Since Jessica has no difficulty moving her arm, this is not the injured part.
• The anterior horn of spinal gray matter contains motor neurons. Her normal arm movement rules out injury to this area.
• The posterior horn of spinal gray matter receives sensory information. Loss of sensation in the arm suggests injury to this part.

Answer:

Posterior horn of spinal gray matter