Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long, cylindrical extension that connects the brain to the rest of the body, serving as the primary pathway for transmitting sensory and motor information. Extending from the medulla oblongata to the level of the L1–L2 vertebrae in adults, it is protected by the vertebral column, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid. The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments, giving rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves that supply the skin, muscles, and internal organs. Its central H-shaped gray matter contains neuron cell bodies responsible for processing reflexes, while the surrounding white matter consists of ascending and descending tracts that relay sensory signals to the brain and motor commands to the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, autonomic dysfunction, and impaired bladder or bowel control, depending on the level and severity of injury.