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. It is also a center for coordinating many reflexes and contains reflex arcs that can independently control reflexes.
What are the three main function of spinal cord?
The main functions of the spinal cord are: To conduct reflexes below the neck. To conduct messages from the skin and muscles to the brain. To conduct commands from the brain to muscles of the trunk and limbs.
What is the structure and function of spinal cord?
Spinal cord and nerves: The spinal cord is a column of nerves that travels through the spinal canal. The cord extends from the skull to the lower back. Thirty-one pairs of nerves branch out through vertebral openings (the neural foramen). These nerves carry messages between the brain and muscles.
What are the two main functions of spinal cord Class 11?
The spinal cord’s major functions include:
- Electrochemical communication. Electrical currents travel up and down the spinal cord and across nerves, sending signals which allow different segments of the body to communicate with the brain.
- Walking. …
What are the main parts of spinal cord?
The spinal cord is divided into four different regions: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions (Figure 3.1). The different cord regions can be visually distinguished from one another.
What are the four parts of the spine?
The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx (Fig. 2). Only the top 24 bones are moveable; the vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused. The vertebrae in each region have unique features that help them perform their main functions.
Why is the spinal cord so important?
The spinal cord and the brain together constitute the Central Nervous System. It is an incredibly complex and intricate mesh of nerves. Functioning as the body’s main relay station, the CNS is responsible for all the basic functions of the body, such as breathing, walking, talking, movement, and reflexes.