SPINAL CORD – 1
The spinal cord is an elongated anatomical extension of the brain. It is housed inside the vertebral canal, where it is quite protected.
The distribution of white and gray matter in the spinal cord is opposite to that of the brain and cerebellum, as follows: its white matter is situated at the periphery of the spinal cord and the gray matter ocupies a central position.
Cross-sections of the spinal cord reveal that the details of the distribution of white and gray matter vary in different places of the cord. Cross-sections of the spinal cord are usually easy to identify because the gray matter looks like a butterfly with its wings open.
The spinal cord is an important organ of communication between the brain and trunk and limbs. Important bundles of axons are situated inside and along the white matter of the spinal cord, transmitting information to and from the brain.
The gray matter of the spinal cord contains many motor neurons and interneurons. Motor neurons control important functions, such as smooth and skeletal muscle contraction, and gland secretion.
