Have you ever wondered how your arms and legs move, how you feel hot or cold, how you breathe without even thinking, how your heart beats? Today we are going to talk about the main communication path, or super highway, in our body that controls all of this, connecting the brain and the rest of the body. That is the very precious spinal cord .
Simply put, what is this spinal cord?
The spinal cord is a cylindrical, tube-like structure made up of nerves and cells. It runs down the middle of your spine, from the base of your brain (brainstem) to the base of your spine. It is one of the main parts of our nervous system.
Think of it like the cable that carries the signal to your TV in your home. But the spinal cord does a million times more complex work than that cable. Just as a TV cable carries data like movies and news back and forth, the spinal cord carries all the electrical messages our bodies need to function back and forth between the brain and the body.
What service does the spinal cord provide to our body?
The main function of the spinal cord is to carry nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body and back to the brain. These signals are called electrical messages. These messages are what keep everything in our body functioning properly. Let's look at its main functions.
- Controlling body movements and activities: When you want to raise an arm, walk, or run, the messages sent from the brain travel through the spinal cord to the corresponding muscles. This communication is also essential for controlling automatic (autonomic) actions that we do without realizing it, such as breathing and heartbeat.
- Reporting sensations to the brain: When you feel pain somewhere in your body, or when someone touches you, pressure, heat, or cold, all of these things travel through nerves to the spinal cord, and from there to the brain. That's when you feel, "Oh, I hurt," or "That's cold."
- Managing Reflexes: Reflexes are physical responses that occur quickly, before we even think about them. A good example is when a doctor taps your knee with a small hammer, causing your leg to jump forward. Some of these reflexes are controlled directly by the spinal cord, without the involvement of the brain. This allows the body to respond quickly and protect itself in times of danger, such as an accident.
Parts of the spinal cord and the nerves connected to it
The spinal cord can be divided into three main parts, which are exactly the same as the three parts of our spinal column.
1. Cervical: This is the area around your neck.
2. Thoracic: This refers to your upper body, or chest area.
3. Lumbar: This is the area around the lower back.
There are 31 pairs of nerves connected to this spinal cord. These are the ones that distribute messages from the brain throughout the body.
| Nervous type | Location and function |
|---|---|
| Cervical Nerves | There are 8 pairs. Starting in the neck, they carry signals mainly to the face and head. |
| Thoracic Nerves | There are 12 pairs. They carry signals to the upper body, chest, upper back, and abdomen. |
| Lumbar Nerves | There are 5 pairs. They run from the groin to the legs and feet. |
| Sacral Nerves | There are 5 pairs. They run from the lowest part of the vagina to the pelvis. |
| Cauda Equina | This is not a single nerve, but a bundle of nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord. It is what provides sensation to the lower parts of the body. The Latin word "cauda equina" means 'horse's tail'. It got its name because this bundle of nerves looks like a horse's tail. |
Covers that protect the spinal cord
Just like an onion has layers of skin, there are three types of membranes (meninges) that protect our spinal cord. These also surround our brain.
- Dura mater: This is the outer, strong, thick covering. It helps protect the spinal cord from injury.
- Arachnoid mater: This is the middle layer.
- Pia mater: This is the thinnest layer that is attached to the spinal cord from the inside.
There are two special spaces between these layers.
1. Epidural Space: This is located outside the dura mater. This is where the epidural, which is given to expectant mothers to reduce pain during childbirth, is given.
2. Subarachnoid Space: This is located between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. This space contains a special fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) . This provides extra protection and cushioning for the spinal cord. When a doctor performs a lumbar puncture to diagnose certain diseases, a doctor inserts a needle into this space and takes a sample of CSF.
What diseases and injuries affect the spinal cord?
Because the spinal cord plays such an important role in our bodies, any damage to it can be very serious. In some cases, early treatment can reduce the risk of long-term or permanent complications.
Even minor damage to the spinal cord can have serious effects on the parts of the body below the injury, such as loss of urinary control or paralysis.
Here are some common conditions that can affect the spinal cord:
- Acute transverse myelitis
- Cervical spondylosis
- Herniated disks
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal infections
How do we keep our spinal cord healthy?
There are some simple things we can do to keep our spinal cord and entire spine healthy.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Exercise regularly. Do stretching exercises regularly.
- Practice keeping your back straight when sitting and standing. Don't stay in the same position for too long.
- When sleeping, sleep in a position that supports the natural curve of your neck and lower back.
- If you smoke, stop. Avoid other tobacco products.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
Are the spinal cord and the vertebral column two different things?
Yes, these are two parts. Many people confuse the two.
Simply put, the vertebral column is the bony covering that protects the spinal cord. It is made up of bones called vertebrae stacked one on top of the other.
The spinal cord is a tube made up of nerves, tissues, and cells inside a protective bony covering.
Think of an electrical cable. The spinal cord is like the plastic tube on top of it. The spinal cord is like the most valuable wire running inside that tube.
If you were to give awards to the most important parts of the body, the spinal cord would definitely get one. It's worth it. It's the connection between the brain and the body. The spinal cord constantly carries the electrical nerve signals that help you move, feel, and live.
So, if you notice any changes in your ability to move, the way things feel, or the way you control your body, don't ignore it. If you're even slightly concerned or scared about it, it's worth showing it to a doctor . That way, you'll be able to find out exactly what's causing your symptoms and what treatments are needed to manage them.
Take-Home Message
- The spinal cord is the main communication pathway between our brain and the rest of the body.
- Our movements, sensations, and reflexes are controlled by the spinal cord.
- This precious nervous system is protected by a bony covering called the vertebral column.
- Any damage to the spinal cord can be very serious, and it is important to seek medical advice immediately if you notice any changes in movement or sensation.
- A healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, correct posture) helps protect your spinal cord.
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