What type of messages do the nerve fibers in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord carry?

The nerve fibers in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord primarily carry sensory (afferent) messages. This region is responsible for receiving incoming signals from sensory receptors throughout the body, which transmit information about touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception. These sensory fibers enter the spinal cord through the dorsal roots and synapse in the dorsal horns, where the information is processed before being relayed to higher centers in the brain for further analysis.

Understanding the role of the dorsal horns is crucial for grasping how sensory information is integrated in the nervous system. The specific pathway of sensory neurons ensures that the body can react to stimuli effectively, supporting survival and interaction with the environment. Therefore, the primary function of the dorsal horn is to handle these sensory inputs, confirming that the correct answer is indeed sensory (afferent) messages.