Part of the central nervous system that extends from the base of the brain (medulla oblongata) through the vertebral column
Spinal cord
Sensory processing
Autonomic nervous system control
Transmission of nerve impulses
Reflex integration
Coordination of body
Vertebral column (vertebrae)
Provides a strong and rigid protective barrier around the spinal cord
Meninges and CSF
Serve as cushioning, support, and shock absorber, protecting the spinal cord from mechanical shocks and impacts
Enlargements of the spinal cord
Cervical enlargement
Lumbar enlargement
Spinal cord tracts
Ascending tract (sensory) - carry sensory information from peripheral nerves to the brain
Descending tract (motor) - transmit motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord which then relay the signals to muscles and glands
Spinal nerve
Has two roots - dorsal root of sensory neurons carrying impulses into the spinal cord, and ventral root of motor neurons carrying impulses from the spinal cord to muscles or glands
The spinal nerve is classified as a mixed nerve because it contains both sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) nerve fibers within a single nerve bundle
