Spinal Cord

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, which extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It encloses the central canal of the spinal cord, which contains cerebrospinal fluid. The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system (CNS).

Anatomy

The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments, each with a pair of dorsal root ganglia, which contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons. Other major parts of the spinal cord include the anterior median fissure, the posterior median sulcus, and the central canal.

Function

The spinal cord functions primarily in the transmission of neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body but also contains neural circuits that can independently control numerous reflexes and central pattern generators. The three major functions of the spinal cord are sensory, motor, and autonomic functions.

Clinical significance

Damage to the spinal cord can cause significant impairment, including paralysis, sensory loss, and incontinence. Diseases such as spinal cord injury, spinal cord tumors, transverse myelitis, and spinal stenosis can also affect the spinal cord.

Research

Research into treatments for spinal cord injuries includes stem cell therapy, neural engineering, and the use of nanotechnology.

See also

• Spinal nerve
• Spinal cord injury
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal cord tumor