Question

What is spinal cord? Write about the functions of spinal cord.

Answer 1

The spinal cord is a complex tubular bundle of nerves that begins at the base of the brain from medulla oblongata and runs down to the lumbar region. It is part of the central nervous system. Spinal cord consists of the dorsal roots and the ventral roots. It performs various functions like

1. It connects a large part of the peripheral nervous system to the brain.

2. Electrical currents through the spinal cord. It sends signals that allow different parts of the body to communicate with each other and with the brain.

3. It plays important role in reflexes. Reflexes are involuntary responses resulting from stimuli that involves brain, spinal cord and nerves of the peripheral nervous system.

4. It send signals to the muscles in the legs in a particular pattern to extend or contract leg muscles. This produces the alternating movements while walking.

5. A 31 pairs of spinal nerves connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body.