Central · Nerve
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is the thick bundle of nerves running down the spine, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. It carries all the signals for movement and sensation, and controls reflexes.
What it is
The spinal cord is a long, delicate cylinder of nerve tissue running inside the protective bony canal of the spine, continuous with the brain.
Where it runs
Inside the spinal column, running from the base of the brain down the back.
What it does
Carries movement signals from the brain to the body and sensory signals back, and controls fast reflexes without needing the brain.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the spinal cord
- Spinal cord injury (can cause paralysis)
- Compression from a slipped disc or narrowing (stenosis)
- Cauda equina syndrome (a lower-spine emergency)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. New weakness or numbness, facial drooping, or loss of bladder or bowel control can be an emergency — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Reflexes like pulling your hand off something hot happen through the spinal cord alone, before the signal even reaches the brain — which is why they are so fast.
Answers
Spinal Cord: frequently asked questions
What does the spinal cord do?
It connects the brain to the body, carrying signals for movement and sensation and controlling fast reflexes.
What is a spinal cord emergency?
New weakness or numbness in the limbs, numbness around the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control can signal serious spinal cord or nerve compression — call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Nervous system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy — nervous system
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