In the developing spinal cord, the sulcus limitans is a longitudinal groove that divides the lateral wall into two functional zones. Structures lying dorsal to the sulcus limitans give rise to which of the following?
- A Somatic and visceral efferent neurons
- B Sympathetic chain ganglia
- C Sensory neuroblasts and interneurons receiving afferent input ✓
- D Ependymal lining of the central canal
Correct answer: C. Sensory neuroblasts and interneurons receiving afferent input
Explanation
The sulcus limitans separates the alar plate dorsally from the basal plate ventrally throughout the neural tube. The alar plate forms sensory (afferent) neuroblasts and interneurons, corresponding to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The basal plate forms motor (efferent) neurons, corresponding to the ventral horn. Sympathetic ganglia derive from neural crest cells outside the tube, not from either plate.
Reference: Snell's Clinical Neuroanatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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