Ask a Teacher

Search



what r the main functions of spinalcord?
Together, the brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system. This complex system is part of everything we do. It controls the things we choose to do -- like walk and talk -- and the things our body does automatically -- like breathe and digest food. The central nervous system is also involved with our senses -- seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling -- as well as our emotions, thoughts, and memory.


The spinal cord is made up of bundles of nerve fibers. It runs down from the brain through a canal in the center of the bones of the spine. These bones protect the spinal cord. Like the brain, the spinal cord is covered by the meninges and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid.

Spinal nerves connect the brain with the nerves in most parts of the body. Other nerves go directly from the brain to the eyes, ears, and other parts of the head. This network of nerves carries messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.
Function: To relay information to and from your brain. In addition to transmitting information to the brain and sending commands to the body, the spinal cord is also responsible for most reflexes. A reflex is a built-in response to dangerous stimuli, allowing the body to react faster than it would if the information had to travel to the brain, be thought about and then travel back to the body. Snatching back your hand from a source of pain instantly is an example of a reflex.


comments powered by Disqus