SPINAL CORD – 1
The spinal cord is an elongated portion of the central nervous system that anatomically is an extension of the brain. It is housed in the vertebral canal, a location where it is quite protected.
The distribution of white and gray matter in the spinal cord is different from that of the brain and cerebellum. White matter is located in the periphery and gray matter in the center.
Cross-sections of the spinal cord reveal that the details of its anatomy vary according to the height at which they are cut. In general, in cross-sections, the gray matter has an appearance that resembles a butterfly with its wings open.
The spinal cord is an important organ of communication between the brain and the limbs and trunk. Important bundles of axons pass through 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.
