Destruction of the ventral horn cells of the spinal cord results in loss of
a. Integrating impulses
b. Sensory impulses
c. Voluntary motor impulses
d. All of these

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the spinal cord, focusing on the ventral horn. The ventral horn contains the cell bodies of motor neurons responsible for sending voluntary motor impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles.
2. Step 2: Recognize the function of the ventral horn cells. These cells are primarily involved in motor output, meaning they transmit signals that cause muscle contraction and voluntary movement.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the roles of the ventral horn and other parts of the spinal cord. The dorsal horn primarily processes sensory information, while the ventral horn is involved in motor control.
4. Step 4: Analyze the consequences of destruction of ventral horn cells. Since these cells are motor neurons, their loss would result in the inability to send voluntary motor impulses, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the destruction of ventral horn cells results in loss of voluntary motor impulses, corresponding to option c.

Key Concepts

Ventral Horn of the Spinal Cord

The ventral horn is the front part of the spinal cord's gray matter containing motor neurons that send signals to skeletal muscles. It plays a crucial role in initiating voluntary motor movements by transmitting impulses from the central nervous system to muscles.

Motor Neurons and Voluntary Motor Impulses

Motor neurons located in the ventral horn carry voluntary motor impulses from the spinal cord to muscles, enabling conscious movement. Damage to these neurons disrupts the transmission of motor commands, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis.

Sensory vs. Motor Pathways in the Spinal Cord

Sensory impulses enter the spinal cord through the dorsal horn, while motor impulses exit via the ventral horn. Therefore, destruction of ventral horn cells affects motor output but does not directly impair sensory input or integration of impulses.