Spinal

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).

Structure

The spinal cord is a long and thin organ, which extends from the base of the brain to the lower back. It is surrounded and protected by the vertebral column and is housed in the spinal canal. It is approximately 45 cm (18 in) in men and around 43 cm (17 in) long in women.

Function

The spinal cord functions primarily in the transmission of neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also contains neural circuits that can independently control numerous reflexes and central pattern generators.

Clinical significance

Injury to the spinal cord can cause a loss of communication between the brain and the levels of the body below the injury. The effects may vary depending on the location and severity of the injury, and may include paraplegia, tetraplegia, and other forms of paralysis or loss of function.

See also

• Spinal cord injury
• Spinal disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal cord tumor

External links

• MedlinePlus: Spinal Cord Diseases

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