Structure:
The spinal cord is a bundle of the nerves, called tracts, that connect
with sensory nerves from the skin, and distribute motor and autonomic outputs
from the brain. At each vertebra, extensions
of the cord, called rami, come out and connect the tracts in sensory
and motor ganglions, to the cell nuclei
of peripheral nerves.
Function:
The spinal cord serves as a distribution hub for sensory and motor nerve
impulses, distributing them to appropriate organs and tissues. These electrical
impulses may be kept locally, for making spinal reflex actions, or
be delivered to the brain for more processing, and back again.
