Chapter 14.1, Problem 1LO

Summary Introduction

To describe: The two primary functions of the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Concept introduction: The spinal cord is housed within the vertebral column. It is homologous with the nerve cord which is one of the characteristic features of chordates. The spinal cord is approximately 17 inches long and thin. It is tubular in structure and is made up of nervous tissue. Spinal cord extends from the medulla oblongata in the brain. Spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system (CNS). Thirty-one pairs of nerves that arise from the spinal cord are known as spinal nerves. The spinal nerves are mixed nerves. They carry motor, autonomic, and sensory signals between the body and spinal cord for relaying them to the brain.