Study Question Ten

• Q10. Explain the functional importance of the spinal cord.
• Key aspects of anatomical and functional importance of the spinal cord:

  • structure and segmentation
  • pathway for nerve signals
  • reflex arcs
  • integration center
  • protection and support
  • role in autonomic functions
• Structure and segmentation

  • Segments: The spinal cord is divided into segments (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal), each corresponding to specific areas of the body. Each segment gives rise to a pair of spinal nerves that innervate particular regions.
  • Enlargements: The cervical and lumbar enlargements accommodate the nerves that supply the upper and lower limbs, respectively.
• Pathway for nerve signals

  • Ascending Tracts: These carry sensory information from the body to the brain. For example, the spinothalamic tract transmits pain and temperature sensations.
  • Descending Tracts: These transmit motor commands from the brain to the body. For instance, the corticospinal tract is essential for voluntary movement control.
• Reflex arc

  • The spinal cord facilitates reflex actions through reflex arcs, which allow for quick responses without direct involvement from the brain. For example, when touching a hot surface, sensory neurons relay the information to the spinal cord, which then immediately sends a signal to motor neurons to withdraw the hand.
• Integration center

  • The spinal cord acts as an integration center for processing information from various sources. It can coordinate simple movements and complex patterns by integrating sensory input and motor output.
• Protection and support

  • The spinal cord is housed within the vertebral column, which protects it from injury. The surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides additional cushioning and support.
• Role in autonomic functions

  • The spinal cord also plays a role in autonomic functions, such as regulating blood pressure and controlling bowel and bladder functions, through autonomic nerve pathways.
• Explain the functional importance of the spinal cord.

  The spinal cord is a vital structure divided into five segments (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal) which allow for the innervation of spinal nerves to different regions of the body as well as the presence of the cervical and lumbar enlargements which supply nerves to the limbs.
• Explain the functional importance of the spinal cord.

  Pathways for nerve signals include two different tracts: ascending tracts which carry sensory information from the body to the brain and descending tracts with carry motor commands from the brain to the body.
• Explain the functional importance of the spinal cord.


  The spinal cord also facilitates reflex actions through reflex arcs, allowing for quick responses without the direct involvement from the brain.
• Explain the functional importance of the spinal cord.



  The spinal cord is like an integration center for processing information arriving from various sources, integrating from sensory input and motor output.
• Explain the functional importance of the spinal cord.

  Additionally, the spinal cord also plays roles when it comes to autonomic functions such as regulating blood pressure and controlling other involuntary bodily functions that go unnoticed.
• Source

  • Chapter Fourteen: Page 361, 14.1 Gross Anatomy of the Spinal Cord
  • Chapter Fourteen: Page 366, 14.3 Sectional Anatomy of the Spinal Cord
  • Chapter Fourteen: Page 374, 14.6 Reflexes
• Parts of the spinal cord (matter)

  • Posterior gray horn
  • Lateral gray horn
  • Anterior gray horn
  • Posterior white column
  • Lateral white column
  • Anterior white column
• • Posterior Gray Horn: Processes sensory information from body, receiving signals of touch, pain, temperature.
  • Lateral Gray Horn: Contains autonomic neurons, regulate involuntary functions.
  • Anterior Gray Horn: Contains motor neurons, send signals to skeletal muscles (voluntary)
• • Posterior White Column: Carries sensory information to brain (proprioception, vibration).
  • Lateral White Column: Contains ascending sensory / descending motor pathways for communication between brain and spinal cord.
  • Anterior White Column: Contains descending motor pathways, transmit signals from brain to spinal cord for voluntary.
• • Posterior Gray Horn: Processes sensory information from body, receiving signals of touch, pain, temperature.
  • Lateral Gray Horn: Contains autonomic neurons, regulate involuntary functions.
  • Anterior Gray Horn: Contains motor neurons, send signals to skeletal muscles (voluntary)
• • Posterior White Column: Carries sensory information to brain (proprioception, vibration).
  • Lateral White Column: Contains ascending sensory / descending motor pathways for communication between brain and spinal cord.
  • Anterior White Column: Contains descending motor pathways, transmit signals from brain to spinal cord for voluntary.
• The medial to lateral rule is the organization of structures in the spinal cord and nervous system, where different functions are arranged from the center (medial) to the sides (lateral). The closer a pathway or nerve is to the center, the more it relates to core functions, like balance and posture. As you move outward, the functions often shift to more specific and finer movements, such as those in the hands and limbs. This organization helps ensure that the body can respond efficiently to both basic and complex tasks.