Learn Posterior Column (Dorsal Column) with Picmonic

The posterior columns work to convey proprioception, which is the sense of the relative position of neighboring parts of the body and strength of effort being used in movement.

The sensation of fine touch with tactile sensation, is carried via the posterior column. This sensation of fine touch helps patients tell exactly where a sensation is localized to, and helps feel textures such as "smooth," "greasy," or "rough." It also conveys discriminative touch, which is telling if the examiner is using 1 vs. 2 fingers to illicit sensation.

The dorsal columns carry pressure sensation as well, which helps the patient to tell how hard the examiner is pressing, or how hard the caliper is being pressed.

Vibration sensation is also carried through the posterior column.

Dorsal root ganglion cells are also known as first-order neurons because they initiate the sensory process, which travels through the dorsal column.

The fasciculus cuneatus is the lateral part of the posterior column, which carries signals from the upper body and arms.
Note: The Yeti is a large hairy creature resembling a human or bear, said to live in the highest part of the Himalayas.

The fasciculus cuneatus carries sensory signals from the arms and upper body.

The fasciculus gracilis is located medially in the dorsal column, and carries sensory information from the lower body and legs.

The fasciculus gracilis carries sensory information from the lower body and legs.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dorsal column lesions, and patients can have demyelination. This can lead to paresthesias and neuropathy.

Tabes dorsalis is characterized by demyelination of the dorsal columns, leading to paresthesias, hypoesthesias (abnormally diminished cutaneous, especially tactile, sensory modalities), gait problems, and loss of coordination. This occurs due to an untreated syphilis infection.