Spinal cord diagram

Spinal cord constitutes a part of the central nervous system. It's a long, pipe-like structure arising from the medulla oblongata, running through the vertebral column

The spinal cord is a long, cable-like structure made up of hundreds of nerve fibers, which is approximately 17 inches (42 cm) long. The brain and the spinal cord compose the central nervous system.

Our spinal cord is known as the "information highway of the body" for a reason. Basically, spinal cord functions can be broadly categorized into two parts -- first, information transmission, and second, reflex coordination.

The spinal cord carries signals from the brain: It receives signals from the brain that control movement and autonomic functions, It carries information to the brain: The spinal cord nerves also transmit messages to

Spinal cord

Spinal cord cross section

Information and pictures of the spine and spinal cord showing C1 to S5 vertebra and which vertebra effect various body functions

Anatomy of the human spine complete with illustrations and references.

The gray matter makes up the core of the spinal cord in a butterfly-like shape. It consists of two posterior (dorsal) horns, two thicker anterior (ventral) horns, and two later horns on each side. A gray commissure connects the right and left sides and the middle of this is a central canal. A dorsal (posterior) root carrying sensory new fibers enter on the posterior horn. A ventral (anterior) root connects with the large somas of the anterior horn and information exits by way of this root.