American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 1275

Which area of the body is affected by deficits in proprioception and vibration sensation due to vitamin B12 deficiency?

Posterior spinal cord

Vitamin B12 deficiency primarily affects the posterior columns of the spinal cord, which are responsible for proprioception and vibration sensation. The posterior columns transmit sensory information regarding position sense and the vibration from the periphery to the brain. When vitamin B12 levels are deficient, it can lead to demyelination in these specific pathways, resulting in deficits in proprioception and vibration sense.

The posterior spinal cord houses the pathways that carry this sensory information. Damage or dysfunction in this area will manifest as disturbances in the ability to sense body position and the vibration of objects, which are hallmark signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. Thus, recognizing the role of the posterior spinal cord in sensory processing is essential for understanding the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on the nervous system.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Central spinal cord

Anterior spinal cord

Thalamus

Next Question

Report this question

Download American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy