Cords

Cords are a type of anatomical structure that are long, thin, flexible and often cylindrical. They are found in various parts of the human body, including the nervous system, muscular system, and circulatory system.

Anatomy

In the human body, cords are found in various systems. For example, 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.

In the circulatory system, the umbilical cord is a conduit between the developing embryo or fetus and the placenta. It normally contains two arteries (the umbilical arteries) and one vein (the umbilical vein), buried within Wharton's jelly.

Function

Cords in the human body serve various functions depending on their location and the system they are part of. For instance, the spinal cord is the main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system. The length of the spinal cord is much shorter as compared to the length of the bony spinal column.

The umbilical cord represents a vital connection between the mother and fetus during pregnancy. It is the lifeline that attaches the placenta to the fetus. The umbilical cord is made of smooth muscle and connective tissue, which provides a conduit for the exchange of blood, oxygen, and nutrients.

Related Conditions

There are several medical conditions that can affect the cords in the human body. For example, Spinal cord injury is a serious type of physical trauma that can have significant impact on most aspects of daily life. Umbilical cord prolapse is a complication that occurs when the umbilical cord drops (prolapses) through the open cervix into the vagina ahead of the baby during delivery.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Umbilical cord
• Nervous system
• Circulatory system

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