A lesion in the dorsal column of the spinal cord at the T6 level on the right side will produce which sensory deficit?

• A Loss of pain and temperature below T6 on the right
• B Loss of pain and temperature on the left below T6
• C Loss of all sensation below T6 bilaterally
• D Loss of vibration and proprioception below T6 on the right ✓

Explanation

The dorsal (posterior) column carries ipsilateral fine touch, vibration, and proprioception; fibers ascend uncrossed to the nucleus gracilis (below T6) and nucleus cuneatus (above T6) before crossing in the medulla. A right T6 dorsal column lesion therefore causes loss of vibration sense and conscious proprioception below T6 on the right. Contralateral pain and temperature loss would indicate spinothalamic tract damage.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.