Question

Draw a labelled diagram of T.S of a spinal cord and write one of its functions.

Answer 1

Spinal cord is considered to be one of the parts of the central nervous system. Spinal cord helps in transmission of the nerve impulses from the motor neuron to the sensory cortex. It is important in functioning and coordination of the human body.

Complete answer:
Spinal cord is termed to be an important structure after the brain. Brain and spinal cord together form the central nervous system. The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure which continues from the medulla oblongata of the brain. The spinal cord is divided into several vertebrae. The spinal cord extends from the first and second lumbar vertebrae where it tends to end. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord from injuries.

The spinal cord helps in the transmission of the nerve impulses from the motor neuron and afferent neuron to the sensory cortex of the body. The neural circuits are responsible for the connection of the motor neurons for the rhythmic movements like Walking, cycling and many more. It consists of three meninges- Outer dura mater, middle arachnoid and inner diameter.

The spinal cord contains grey matter and white matter. The grey matter is found inside the myelin sheath while white matter covers the outer layer of the sheath. Grey matter is made up of the cell body of neurons, glial cells whereas white matter is made up of myelinated axons.

Few functions of spinal cord:
- Function-It provides support and position to the body.
- Motor Functions - directs your body's voluntary muscle movements.
- Sensory Functions – monitors sensation of touch, pressure, temperature and pain.
- Autonomic Functions – regulates digestion, urination, body temperature, heart rate, and dilation/contraction of blood vessels (blood pressure).

Note: Spinal cord is considered to be the pathway for passing of information which connects the brain with the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord consists of 31 spinal nerves. It is divided into thoracic, cervical, lumbar, sacral and coccyx. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, five lumbar, five sacral and one coccyx in the body.