A bundle of nerves, the spinal cord runs inside the cavity, bone tunnel of the vertebral column, which forms the bones of the back. The vertebrae together forms the backbone. The vertebral column is a segmented bony structure supporting the head/torso and thorax. The spinal cord runs in the vertebral column. Although they run together, they are completely separate and have distinct structures.
The backbone consists of vertebrae, protecting the spinal cord while the spinal cord facilitates the linking of the brain to the body parts for the exchange of motor and sensory information.
Both the backbone and spinal cord are posteriorly located. While the backbone is an integral part of the skeletal system, the spinal cord forms a major part of the central nervous system found in the backbone. During the initial stages of development, both the backbone and the spinal cord are similar in length. Eventually, over time, they start differing in size.
Difference Between Backbone and Spinal cord
Following are some of the important differences between Backbone and Spinal cord.
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Part of the skeletal system |
Part of the central nervous system |
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Made up of vertebrae |
It is a long nerve sheath |
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Holds the spinal cord |
Found inside the backbone |
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Longer than spinal cord |
Shorter than backbone |
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Protects the spinal cord, renders support to the body, provides body posture |
Regulates vital activities of the body by mediating with body parts and the brain |
Those were some differences between the backbone and the spinal cord. Watch this space at BYJU’S for more such differences for NEET preparation.
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