Substantia gelatinosa of Rolando

Substantia Gelatinosa of Rolando

Substantia gelatinosa of Rolando in the spinal cord.

The Substantia Gelatinosa of Rolando is a region of grey matter located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, named after the Italian anatomist Luigi Rolando. It plays a crucial role in the modulation of pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system.

Structure

The Substantia Gelatinosa of Rolando is found in the Rexed lamina II of the spinal cord. It is a narrow, elongated mass of gelatinous neuroglia, consisting of both neurons and glial cells. The neurons in this region are predominantly inhibitory interneurons, which play a significant role in the processing of sensory information.

Function

The primary function of the Substantia Gelatinosa of Rolando is to modulate pain signals. It receives input from A-delta and C-fibers, which carry pain and temperature information from the periphery to the spinal cord. The neurons in this region can either inhibit or facilitate the transmission of these signals to the brain, depending on various factors.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the function of the Substantia Gelatinosa of Rolando can lead to various pain disorders. For instance, hyperactivity in this region can result in chronic pain conditions, while hypoactivity can lead to insensitivity to pain. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these alterations can provide insights into the development of new pain management strategies.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Pain
• Neuroglia
• Luigi Rolando