The Spinal Cord and Central Nervous System

Overview

• The spinal cord is a crucial part of the central nervous system.
• It controls and coordinates bodily activities.
• Protected by vertebrae and membranes, forming the spinal column or backbone.

Structure

• Location: Runs from the base of the skull to just above the hips.
• Length: Approximately 18 inches.
• Components:
  • Vertebrae: Rings of bone surrounding the spinal cord.
  • Membrane: Protective covering.

Function

• Acts as a communication system between the brain and the body.
• Neurons carry messages to and from the spinal cord, enabling movement and sensation.
• Spinal nerve roots branch off in pairs to each side of the body, with each nerve responsible for specific movements and sensations.

Impact of Spinal Cord Injury

• Injuries may result in temporary or permanent loss of function and paralysis.
• Location of Injury and Impact:
  • Higher spinal cord injuries result in greater loss of function.

Vertebrae Sections

• Cervical Vertebrae (C1 to C7): Located in the neck.
  • Injuries can cause tetraplegia or quadriplegia (loss of function in arms and legs).
• Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 to T12): Middle part of the back.
  • Injuries usually affect trunk and legs, causing paraplegia.
• Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 to L5): Lower back.
• Sacral Vertebrae (S1 to S4): Run from pelvis to end of spinal column.
  • Injuries affect hips and legs.

Causes and Effects of Spinal Injuries

• May be traumatic or non-traumatic.
• Damage affects nerve fibers at and below the injury site, impacting muscles and nerves.

Diagnosis and Future Topics

• Doctors will assign a level of injury.
• Future chapters will explore injury levels and immediate post-injury situations.