Describe with the help of diagram the T.S of spinal cord
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Answer:
The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system. It is a long pipe-like structure arising from the medulla oblongata part of the brain consisting of a collection of nerve fibres, running through the vertebral column of the backbone. It is segmented with a pair of roots (dorsal and ventral roots) consisting of nerve fibres joining to form the spinal nerves.
In adults, the spinal cord is usually 40cm long and 2cm wide. It forms a vital link between the brain and the body.
The spinal cord is divided into five different parts.
Sacral cord
Lumbar cord
Thoracic cord
Cervical cord
Coccygeal
Several spinal nerves emerge out of each segment of the spinal cord. There are 8 pairs of cervical, 5 lumbar, 12 thoracic, 5 sacral and 1 coccygeal pair of spinal nerves
It performs the primary processing of information as it carries sensory signals from all parts of the body to the Central Nervous System through afferent fibres.
Nerve tissue consists of the grey and white matter spread across uniformly.
The smooth muscles and the skeletal system carrying nerve fibres liaise different reflexes when ventral horn projects axons which carry motor neurons.
It also helps intercede autonomic control for visceral functions which consist of neurons with descending axons. It is a sensitive site, which is severely affected in case of a traumatic injury.
Understanding the physiology of the spinal cord helps in detecting and determining the various methods to deal with diseases and damage related to the spinal cord.