Describe the structure, organization and functions of spinal cord
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The spinal cord is a long cylinder of nerves that runs from the base of your brain through the vertebral canal through the backbone. It is part of the central nervous system (CNS) along with the brain. It is divided into different segments. Each segment contains a pair roots made out of nerve fibres. The two roots in the pair are called the dorsal (towards the back) and ventral (away from the back) roots. The spinal cord is about 45 cm in length and 2 cm in diameter in adults.
The spinal cord carries out the following major functions:
Electrical communication. Electrical signals are conducted up and down the cord, allowing communication between different sections of the body and with the brain, since the cord runs through different levels of the trunk section.
Walking (also known as locomotion). During walking, several muscle groups in the legs are coordinated to contract over and over again. Although the act of putting one foot in front of the other while walking may seem simple to us, it has to be carefully coordinated by several groups of neurons known as central pattern generators in the spinal cord! These neurons send signals to the muscles in the legs, causing to the extend or contract, producing the alternating movements that are involved in walking.
Reflexes. These are predictable involuntary responses to stimuli that involve the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Reflexes are further discussed later in this article.
The spinal cord carries out the following major functions:
Electrical communication. Electrical signals are conducted up and down the cord, allowing communication between different sections of the body and with the brain, since the cord runs through different levels of the trunk section.
Walking (also known as locomotion). During walking, several muscle groups in the legs are coordinated to contract over and over again. Although the act of putting one foot in front of the other while walking may seem simple to us, it has to be carefully coordinated by several groups of neurons known as central pattern generators in the spinal cord! These neurons send signals to the muscles in the legs, causing to the extend or contract, producing the alternating movements that are involved in walking.
Reflexes. These are predictable involuntary responses to stimuli that involve the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Reflexes are further discussed later in this article.
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