Question

What is the spinal cord? Write about the functions of the spinal cord.

Answer 1

The major functions of the body and mind are regulated by the central nervous system (CNS). It consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

Complete Answer:
The spinal cord is a feature of the central nervous system. It is a long pipe-like structure created by the medulla oblongata, part of the brain composed of a series of nerve fibres, which passes along the spinal column of the spine. It is segmented by a pair of roots composed of nerve fibres that form the spinal nerves.
- The spinal cord is divided into five parts namely Sacral cord, Lumbar cord, Thoracic cord, Cervical cord and Coccygeal. Several spinal nerves arise from each part of the spinal cord. The overall configuration of the spinal cord is surrounded by the protection of the spinal column. The spinal nerves are situated between the arcs of the vertebrae.
- The spinal cord is separated into the grey matter and white matter. Grey matter consists of the fluid called Cerebrospinal fluid. The white matter consists of nerve fibres, or axons, which run up and down the length of the cord. Each community of axons has a particular type of information that requires interaction.
- The spinal cord acts mainly in the transfer of nerve impulses from the motor cortex to the body. It also transfers information from the afferent fibres of the sensory neurons to the sensory cortex. It is also a hub for organising a variety of reflexes and includes reflex arcs that can individually control reflexes.

Note: Every adult human being has 8 sets of cervical, 5 lumbar, 12 thoracics, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal spinal nerve pair. If the spinal cord is damaged, it also causes complications such as irreversible changes in the strength of the body; lack of sensation; and loss of muscle coordination or other functions.