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Related Concept Videos

Spinal Cord: Information Processing01:10

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
Functions of the Nervous System01:18

Functions of the Nervous System

The nervous system is responsible for coordinating and regulating the body's functions. It functions through three main processes: sensory, integrative, and motor processes. Sensory function involves the detection and transmission of information about internal and external stimuli from sensory receptors to the CNS. The CNS processes this information through an integrative function, where it interprets and makes decisions based on the incoming sensory information. Finally, the motor function...
Motor Unit Stimulation01:20

Motor Unit Stimulation

When the neuron of a motor unit fires an action potential, it triggers a series of events, leading to a twitch contraction in the muscle fibers. The process of excitation-contraction coupling is crucial in relaying the action potential to the muscle fibers.
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation
11:07

In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation

Published on: May 11, 2020

Which Neuronal Elements are Activated Directly by Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Jan Holsheimer1

  • 1Institute for Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.

Neuromodulation : Journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
|December 14, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Spinal cord stimulation primarily activates large Aβ nerve fibers in the dorsal columns. Even a single large fiber activation may relieve pain, suggesting targeted therapy potential.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Neuromodulation

Background:

  • Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapeutic modality for chronic pain.
  • Understanding the precise neural targets of SCS is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy.
  • Current knowledge on fiber recruitment during SCS remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific nerve fiber types and locations activated by SCS under normal therapeutic conditions.
  • To determine the minimum fiber recruitment necessary for therapeutic effects like paresthesia and pain relief.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of empirical data and computer modeling.
  • Morphometric studies of spinal cord cross-sections.
  • Estimation of fiber recruitment based on electrode configuration and stimulation parameters.

Main Results:

  • SCS predominantly recruits large Aβ fibers (≥ 10.7 μm) in a superficial layer of the dorsal columns.
  • A small number of fibers, potentially a single large Aβ fiber, may be sufficient to induce paresthesia and pain relief.
  • Optimized electrode configurations can increase the depth of stimulation and fiber recruitment.

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic SCS primarily targets large Aβ fibers in the dorsal columns, with minimal recruitment of other spinal structures.
  • The stimulation of even a single large Aβ fiber could mediate therapeutic effects.
  • Further research into electrode design and placement can enhance SCS efficacy by modulating fiber recruitment.