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Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 12 The Central Nervous SystemProblem 11d
Chapter 12, Problem 11d

Mark the following statements about the spinal cord as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The posterior horn of spinal gray matter contains the cell bodies of motor neurons.

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Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is divided into white matter and gray matter. The gray matter is further divided into regions: the posterior horn, anterior horn, and lateral horn.
Step 2: Recall the function of the posterior horn. The posterior horn of the spinal gray matter primarily contains sensory neurons and interneurons that process incoming sensory information from the peripheral nervous system.
Step 3: Recall the function of the anterior horn. The anterior horn of the spinal gray matter contains the cell bodies of motor neurons, which send signals to skeletal muscles for voluntary movement.
Step 4: Evaluate the statement provided. The statement claims that the posterior horn contains the cell bodies of motor neurons. Based on the anatomy and function of the spinal cord, this is incorrect because motor neurons are located in the anterior horn, not the posterior horn.
Step 5: Correct the false statement. The corrected statement should read: 'The posterior horn of spinal gray matter contains sensory neurons and interneurons, not the cell bodies of motor neurons.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Spinal Cord Anatomy

The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, consisting of gray and white matter. The gray matter is organized into horns: the anterior (ventral) horn contains motor neurons, while the posterior (dorsal) horn contains sensory neurons. Understanding this anatomy is crucial for identifying the functions of different spinal cord regions.
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Function of the Posterior Horn

The posterior horn of the spinal cord primarily processes sensory information. It contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons that receive signals from the body, such as pain and temperature. This contrasts with the anterior horn, which is responsible for motor functions, housing the cell bodies of motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles.
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True/False Statement Correction

In evaluating statements for truthfulness, it is essential to understand the underlying facts. If a statement is false, it should be corrected by providing accurate information. In this case, the false statement about the posterior horn can be corrected by stating that it contains sensory neuron cell bodies, not motor neurons.
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Related Practice
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Mark the following statements on the role of the brain in movement as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement. 

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Mark the following statements about the spinal cord as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

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Mark the following statements about the spinal cord as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

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Mark the following statements about the spinal cord as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

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Mark the following statements on the role of the brain in movement as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement. 

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