Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back. It serves as the main pathway for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine.

Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is divided into different segments, each of which is associated with a specific region of the body. There are 31 segments in total: 8 cervical (C1-C8), 12 thoracic (T1-T12), 5 lumbar (L1-L5), 5 sacral (S1-S5), and 1 coccygeal (Co). The spinal cord is also surrounded by three layers of protective tissue called meninges: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Function of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in the transmission of sensory information from the body to the brain, and in the transmission of motor commands from the brain to the body. It also serves as a reflex center, allowing for rapid, involuntary responses to certain stimuli without the need for input from the brain.

Study Guide

1. What is the function of the spinal cord?
2. Describe the anatomy of the spinal cord.
3. How many segments are there in the spinal cord?
4. What are the three layers of protective tissue surrounding the spinal cord?
5. Explain the role of the spinal cord as a reflex center.