Functional organization and connectivity of the dorsal column nuclei complex reveals a sensorimotor integration and distribution hub

2020 ◽  
Vol 529 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alastair J. Loutit ◽  
Richard M. Vickery ◽  
Jason R. Potas
Keyword(s):  
Sensorimotor Integration ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Dorsal Column Nuclei

Sensorimotor Integration at the Dorsal Column Nuclei

Physiology ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 231-237
Author(s):  
Jorge Mariño ◽  
Luis Martinez ◽  
Antonio Canedo
Keyword(s):  
Sensorimotor Integration ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Spatial Localization ◽  
Peripheral Zone ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Primary Afferents ◽  
Zone Of Inhibition ◽  
Dorsal Column Nuclei ◽  
Recurrent Collaterals

Interaction among primary afferents, corticofugal fibers, and intrinsic elements allows for sensorimotor integration at the dorsal column nuclei. The interneurons permit the spatial localization, the recurrent collaterals synchronize the activity of projecting cells with overlapping receptive fields, and the corticofugal fibers induce a central zone of activity surrounded by a peripheral zone of inhibition.

scholarly journals The Dorsal Column Nuclei Neuroanatomy Reveals A Complex Sensorimotor Integration and Distribution Hub

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alastair J. Loutit ◽  
Richard M. Vickery ◽  
Jason R. Potas
Keyword(s):  
Sensorimotor Integration ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Proprioceptive Information ◽  
Dorsal Column Nuclei ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Somatosensory Information ◽  
Functional Implications ◽  
Complex Integration ◽  
Sensorimotor Information ◽  
Afferent Inputs

The dorsal column nuclei (DCN) are organised by both somatotopy and modality, and have a diverse range of afferent inputs and projection targets. The functional organisation and connectivity of the DCN implicate them in a variety of sensorimotor functions, beyond their commonly accepted role in processing and transmitting somatosensory information to the thalamus, yet this is largely underappreciated in the literature. In this review, we examine the morphology, organisation, and connectivity of the DCN and their associated nuclei, to improve understanding of their sensorimotor functions. First, we briefly discuss the receptors, afferent fibres, and pathways involved in conveying tactile and proprioceptive information to the DCN. Next, we review the modality and somatotopic arrangements of the constituents of the dorsal column nuclei complex (DCN-complex), which includes the gracile, cuneate, external cuneate, X, and Z nuclei, and Bischoff’s nucleus. Finally, we examine and discuss the functional implications of the myriad of DCN-complex projection targets throughout the midbrain, and hindbrain, in addition to their modulatory inputs from the cortex. The organisation and connectivity of the DCN-complex suggest that these nuclei should be considered a complex integration and distribution hub for sensorimotor information.

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