Eric has a great degree of difficulty maintaining muscle contraction over time.For example,if he picks up a cup and begins doing something else,the cup will slip and fall out of his hand because he loses his grip on it.In addition,if Eric is asked to close his eyes and use his left index finger to point to his right thumb he cannot seem to find it.Based on your knowledge of the somatosensory system you believe that Eric may have damage to _____ in the _____.
A) posterior root ganglion neurons;anterior spinothalamic tract
B) posterior root ganglion neurons;posterior spinothalamic tract
C) anterior root ganglion neurons;anterior spinothalamic tract
D) anterior root ganglion neurons;posterior spinothalamic tract

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Damage to the posterior root ganglion neurons in the posterior spinothalamic tract would result in Eric's symptoms. The posterior root ganglion neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the spinal cord, and the posterior spinothalamic tract is responsible for transmitting this information to the brain. Damage to either of these structures would result in a loss of sensory information, which would make it difficult for Eric to maintain muscle contraction and to point to his right thumb with his left index finger.

Eric Has a Great Degree of Difficulty Maintaining Muscle Contraction