

What does the spinal cord look like and what does it do?

Published: September 15, 2004

spinal_cord_cut-away The cord in humans may be likened to a coaxial cable, about one inch in diameter, and is a continuation of the brain.

It looks like firm, white fat; nerves extend out from the cord to the muscles, skin and bones, to control movement, receive sensations and regulate bodily excretions and secretions.

The 31 pairs of spinal nerves divide the cord into the following segments: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal.



Related Articles:

Tags: ,