The substantia gelatinosa is a pale strip of grey matter capping the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, corresponding to Rexed lamina II. It is packed with small neurons that process incoming pain and temperature signals.
| Location | Tip of the dorsal horn throughout the spinal cord, continuous with the spinal trigeminal nucleus in the brainstem |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Posterior spinal arteries; Anterior spinal artery |
Modulates pain signals before they ascend, the site of the gate control of pain.
Opioid receptors are dense here, which is one reason spinal and epidural opioids work so well. The gate control theory explains why rubbing a painful area or TENS can reduce pain.
Amplified pain signalling in the dorsal horn contributing to chronic pain.
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