Question

Mention three functions of the spinal cord.

Answer 1

The spinal cord works a bit like a telephone switchboard operator, helping the brain communicate with different parts of the body, and vice versa. Its three major roles are:

1. To relay messages from the brain to different parts of the body (usually a muscle) in order to perform an action.
2. To pass along messages from sensory receptors (found all over the body) to the brain.
3. To coordinate reflexes (quick responses to outside stimuli) that don't go through the brain and are managed by the spinal cord alone.