"The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue."
Anatomy and function of the spinal cord, including the different segments and their corresponding sensory and motor functions.
Anatomy of the Spinal Cord: A detailed map of the spinal cord, including the location of nerve bundles and individual spinal nerves.
Function of the Spinal Cord: An introduction to the role of the spinal cord in sensory and motor function, including reflexes.
Structure of the Spinal Cord: An overview of the different components that make up the spinal cord, including the gray and white matter, roots, and dorsal horn.
Physiology of the Spinal Cord: An examination of the interactions between nerve cells and the spinal cord, including neurotransmitters and reflexes.
Evolution of the Spinal Cord: A discussion of how the spinal cord evolved in different species and how it has changed over time.
Spinal Cord Injury: An overview of how the spinal cord can be damaged and what this can mean for the body, including paralysis and chronic pain.
Degenerative Disorders of the Spinal Cord: A review of conditions that can affect the spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis and ALS, and how they impact function.
Clinical Conditions of the Spinal Cord: An overview of common medical conditions that can affect the spinal cord, from herniated discs to spinal stenosis.
Imaging the Spinal Cord: A discussion of how doctors can use imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans to diagnose spinal cord conditions.
Regeneration of the Spinal Cord: A review of recent studies into the potential for regrowth and repair of the spinal cord after injury.
Development of the Spinal Cord: An examination of how the spinal cord develops in utero, including the formation of neural tube defects and other congenital disorders.
Spinal Cord Trauma: An overview of the mechanisms of injury that can cause damage to the spinal cord, including car accidents and falls.
Sensory and Motor Pathways of the Spinal Cord: A detailed overview of the sensory and motor pathways that run through the spinal cord, including the ascending and descending tracts.
Spinal Cord Circulation: An examination of the blood supply to the spinal cord and how disruptions can lead to ischemia and other medical issues.
Spinal Cord Anatomy and Physiology in Relation to Chronic Pain: A review of how the spinal cord can be involved in the perception and management of chronic pain.
Grey matter: This is the central part of the spinal cord that contains numerous cell bodies of neurons. It forms the H-shaped centre of the spinal cord.
White matter: This is the outer part of the spinal cord that contains axons of neurons. It is divided into ascending and descending tracts.
Dorsal Horn: Located dorsally on the grey matter, this contains axons conveying sensory information.
Ventral Horn: Located ventrally on the grey matter, this contains axons conveying motor information.
Lateral Horn: Located in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments, it has the sympathetic neurons that regulate the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.
Spinal Nerves: Thirty spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord and named after the corresponding vertebrate. These nerves are responsible for carrying signals to and from the brain.
Meninges: This is a tri-layered covering that surrounds the spinal cord, providing it with protection and support.
"The spinal cord extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column."
"The backbone 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)."
"In humans, the spinal cord begins at the occipital bone, passing through the foramen magnum, and then enters the spinal canal at the beginning of the cervical vertebrae."
"The spinal cord extends down to between the first and second lumbar vertebrae, where it ends."
"The enclosing bony vertebral column protects the relatively shorter spinal cord."
"It is around 45 cm (18 in) long in adult men and around 43 cm (17 in) long in adult women."
"The diameter of the spinal cord ranges from 13 mm (1⁄2 in) in the cervical and lumbar regions to 6.4 mm (1⁄4 in) in the thoracic area."
"The spinal cord functions primarily in the transmission of nerve signals from the motor cortex to the body and from the afferent fibers of the sensory neurons to the sensory cortex."
"The spinal cord contains reflex arcs that can independently control reflexes."
"The spinal cord is also a center for coordinating many reflexes."
"The spinal cord is the location of groups of spinal interneurons that make up the neural circuits known as central pattern generators."
"These circuits are responsible for controlling motor instructions for rhythmic movements such as walking."
"The spinal cord transmits nerve signals from the motor cortex to the body."
"The spinal cord transmits nerve signals from the afferent fibers of the sensory neurons to the sensory cortex."
"The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system (CNS)."
"The central canal of the spinal cord contains cerebrospinal fluid."
"The enclosing bony vertebral column protects the relatively shorter spinal cord."
"The spinal cord has the largest diameter in the cervical and lumbar regions."