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Bell-Magendie Law

Sensory and motor nerve roots enter and exit the spinal cord through separate pathways.

Spinal cord roots

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The Bell-Magendie law (1811-1822) established that sensory nerve roots enter the dorsal spinal cord while motor roots exit ventrally. This fundamental principle of neural organization enabled systematic study of reflexes and laid groundwork for Sherrington's synapse concept.

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Spinal anatomy

Spinal anatomy

Nerve fibers

Nerve fibers

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