Question

Give two main functions of the spinal cord.

Answer 1

Spinal cord:

1. Spinal cord is the cylindrical structure which extends from the medulla oblongata.
2. It reaches till the level between the first and second lumbar vertebrae of the backbone.
3. Spinal cord is protected by vertebral column.

Functions of spinal cord:

1. It relays messages between the brain and other parts of the body.
2. Spinal cord contains nerves which can transmit messages from brain to body parts and from body parts to brain.
3. Spinal cord contains many nerve centres which control the reflex actions of the body.