What is the Spinal Cord?

Spinal Cord is also known as “Myelon” which comprises 2% of the central nervous system (CNS). It has elongated the lower part of the CNS, which relays nerve impulses from organs to the brain and vice-versa via tracts. The scientific name for the spinal cord is “medulla spinalis.”, The Spinal Cord lies in the upper 2/3rd part of the vertebral canal, covered by “Meninges”. and extends from the upper border of the “atlas” up to the L2 vertebra. Let’s talk about the extended features of the spinal cord is about 18 inches(40-45 centimeters) in length, 1.8-2.0 centimeters in width, and is relatively Elongated Cylindrical in shape.

Functions of Spinal Cord

The areas of the Spinal cord, that function in their ways:

• Cervical: It controls procedures related to the upper limbs and neck.
• Thoracic: It controls the signals that go to the trunk and some abdominal areas.
• Lumbar: It regulates the impulses that go to the lower limbs and a portion of the abdomen.
• Sacral: It mostly controls messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs.
• Coccygeal: The bottom portion, connected to the coccyx.

The spinal cord and backbone both play a vital role in the functioning of the human body. The Spinal cord belongs to the nervous system whereas the backbone belongs to the skeletal system. The spinal cord is a long nerve shape whereas the backbone is composed of vertebrates. The spinal cord lies within the backbone. Stretching from the base of the spine almost to the brain’s stem, the spinal cord is a long, delicate tube-like tissue. On the other hand, the backbone is an individual bone that stretches from the neck to the lower back which is used to bend the body.