Spinal cord

The spinal cord is a cylindrical bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the base of the brain (medulla) down the vertebral column, constituting the major conduit for information flow between the brain and the peripheral nervous system. It is composed of gray matter (neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, interneurons) and white matter (myelinated axons). The spinal cord is organized into segments corresponding to the vertebral column and gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves that innervate the body. It relays sensory information to the brain, conveys motor commands from the brain to the body, integrates reflexes, and contributes to many autonomic functions. It is crucial for voluntary movement, sensation, and basic reflexes vital for survival.

Other names

Medulla spinalisCentral nervous system structure (CNS structure)