Substantia gelatinosa Rolandi, also known as the Rolandic or gelatinous substance, is a microscopic region located in the spinal cord. It is primarily found in the posterior horn of the grey matter, specifically in the segments C1-C3 and L1-L2.
The substantia gelatinosa Rolandi is composed of a dense network of small, unmyelinated nerve fibers known as the gelatinosity reticularis. These fibers are responsible for processing and relaying sensory information, particularly pain signals, from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system.
The name "gelatinosa" refers to the gelatin-like consistency of this region, which is caused by the abundance of small cells and the presence of a gel matrix. These cells, known as the gelatinous cells, have a complex dendritic arborization, allowing them to receive and integrate information from various sources.
The substantia gelatinosa Rolandi plays a crucial role in pain perception and modulation. It receives afferent pain fibers from the body and projects them to higher levels of the central nervous system, transmitting signals related to pain and temperature. Additionally, this region is involved in the processing of other sensory information, such as touch and proprioception.
Understanding the function and properties of the substantia gelatinosa Rolandi is essential for comprehending the complex mechanisms underlying pain perception and processing within the spinal cord.
