The difference between the spinal cord and backbone is easy to understand:
- The spinal cord is a tube-like structure that consists of bundles of nerve fibres. It is covered by the meninges and is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid.
- The backbone or the spinal column is the central axis of the skeleton in all vertebrates. In a newborn human, there are about 33 bones that make up the spinal column. By the time the newborn becomes an adult, the number of bones reduces to 24 as they fuse during normal growth and development.
Moreover, the spinal cord is protected by the spinal column. In this article, we shall explore more differences between the two:
| Made up of bundles of nerve fibres | The backbone is made of bones called vertebrae |
| The spinal cord acts as a pathway for communication between the brain and the body | The backbone serves to provide structural support as well as support the body’s weight. It is also tasked with protecting the spinal cord |
| The spinal cord forms 31 segments, which are divided into 8 cervical nerves, 5 lumbar nerves, 12 thoracic nerves, 1 coccygeal nerve and 5 sacral nerves | The backbone can be split into 5 major segments – the cervical spine, the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine, the sacrum and the coccyx. The cervical spine is made up of 7 bones called vertebrae. The thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae, and the lumbar spine and 5 vertebrae. |
Read More:
- Spinal Cord – Anatomy, Structure, Function, and Diagram
- Bones of the Spine: Human Spine
- Vertebrates: Definition, Classification, and Characteristics
Frequently Asked Questions on Spinal Cord and Backbone
What is the difference between spinal cord and backbone?
The spinal cord is a tube-like structure that is made up of nerve fibre bundles. It is covered by the meninges and is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. On the other hand, the backbone or the spinal column is the central axis of the skeleton in all vertebrates. In a newborn human, there are about 33 bones that make up the spinal column. By the time the newborn becomes an adult, the number of bones reduces to 24 as they fuse during normal growth and development.
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