Question
Discuss the structure and functions of the spinal cord.

Answer

  1. Structure of spinal cord:
  • The spinal cord is a roughly cylindrical structure containing a bulge in its lower middle region and gradually tapering to a point in the lower back region.
  • The internal structure of the spinal cord is much simpler and more uniform throughout its various parts than the various parts of the brain.
  • The interior is gray matter
  • Outside the gray matter are great columns of white matter-making up various fibre tracts passing up and down the cord.
  • It structure all along its length is similar. The butterfly shaped mask of gray matter present in the center of the spinal cord contains association neurons and others cells.
  1. Functions of Spinal cord:
  • Spinal cord carries sensory impulses coming from the body to the brain, and motor impulses originating from the brain to all over the body.
  • It controls the reflex actions directly and independently and enables the quick reactions in the emergency situations.
  • Spinal Cord also helps in maintaining balance and various postures.

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