Spinal Ganglia: Types of Neurons and Their Functions

Spinal ganglia contain three types of neurons:**

1). Large diameter neurons that give rise to the somatic afferent projections

- Alpha-motor neurons (also known as lower motor neurons) innervate skeletal muscle fibers

- Gamma-motor neurons innervate intrafusal muscle fibers.

- Primary sensory neurons in these ganglia relay information about touch, proprioception, and nociception (pain) from the periphery to the central nervous system.

2). Small diameter neurons that give rise to the visceral afferent projections include the:

- Sympathetic preganglionic neurons.

- Primary afferent pain transmitting neurons.

3). Intermediate diameter sympathetic postganglionic neurons.