Question

Draw and labelled diagram of T.S. of spinal cord and write its one important function.

Answer 1

The spinal cord is an essential part of the central nervous system. It is a long pipe-like structure arising from the medulla oblongata, that is part of the brain including a collection of nerve fibres, running through the vertebral column of the backbone. It is segmented with a pair of roots consisting of nerve fibres combining to form the spinal nerves. The two roots of the spinal cord are dorsal and ventral roots.

Complete answer:

The transverse section of the spinal cord have following details:
1. It is surrounded by three meninges- outer Dura mater, middle arachnoid mater, as well as inner pia mater.
2. White matter is outer in color and the internal matter is grey.
3. The Grey matter is H-shaped because of two dorsal horns as well as two ventral horns.
4. The Grey matter or outer matter is formed up of cell bodies of neurons, relay neurons, as well as the glial cells.
5. White matter or internal matter is made up of myelinated axons.
6. 31 pairs of nerves arise from the spinal cord.
7. In the middle, there is a central canal that includes the cerebrospinal fluid.

Important functions

Forms a connecting between the brain and the PNS
Provides structural support as well as builds a body posture
Facilitates flexible movements of body
Myelin found in the white matter acts as an electrical insulation.
Communicates messages from the brain to various parts of the body
Coordinates reflexes of the body parts
Receives sensory information from receptors as well as approaches towards the brain for processing.

Note: Transverse sections of spinal cord have an elongated cylindrical structure that lies in the neural canal of the vertebral column as well as is continued with the medulla oblongata through foramen magnum of the skull. It measures about 45 cm in its length.