The term "substantia gelatinosa centralis" is used in neuroanatomy to describe a region in the spinal cord that plays a role in the processing of pain signals. Its spelling can be somewhat challenging due to the use of Latin and Greek roots. The IPA phonetic transcription for this term is /səbˈstænʃiə dʒɛlətɪˈnoʊzə sɛnˈtreɪlɪs/. Each syllable is pronounced distinctly, with stress on the second and fourth syllables. The word "substantia" refers to substance or matter, while "gelatinosa" means gelatinous or jelly-like, and "centralis" denotes the central location of this structure.
Substantia gelatinosa centralis is a term used in neuroanatomy and neuroscience to refer to a specific region of the spinal cord. It is a gelatinous substance found in the central part of the dorsal horn in the gray matter of the spinal cord.
The substantia gelatinosa centralis is primarily composed of interneurons, which are nerve cells that connect different parts of the spinal cord and transmit signals between sensory and motor neurons. These interneurons play a crucial role in the transmission and modulation of pain signals.
Functionally, the substantia gelatinosa centralis acts as a gatekeeper for pain signals entering the spinal cord. It receives sensory information from peripheral nerves, particularly those related to pain and temperature, and processes and modulates these signals before relaying them to higher levels of the central nervous system.
In addition to its role in pain processing, the substantia gelatinosa centralis is involved in other sensory functions, including touch and proprioception. It receives input from sensory neurons in the skin, muscles, and joints, which allows for the integration and coordination of sensory information throughout the body.
Understanding the intricacies of the substantia gelatinosa centralis is crucial in the fields of pain management and neurology, as dysfunctions or abnormalities in this region of the spinal cord can contribute to pain disorders and other sensory disturbances.
S. grisea centralis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.