The spinal cord of a person in the body performs important functions. The spinal cord, the structure and functions of the organ were hidden for a long time from doctors, since nature most of all protected it from external influences. It is located in the spinal canal, somewhat flattened. The length of the spinal cord is up to forty-five centimeters, its thickness is about one centimeter. It has a furrow that divides the brain into two halves. Inside the spinal cord contains a cavity in which there is cerebrospinal fluid. In connection with the functions performed, it is covered with shells - external, medium and internal. The outer shell primarily serves to protect the spinal cord from damage, and the other two contain nerves and blood vessels.
The spinal cord begins from the medulla oblongata, and ends in the lumbar region. By the number of vertebrae, it is divided into segments. There are thirty-one of them in the human body. Each segment has roots - two in the front and two in the back. The anterior root connects to the posterior root, forming a mixed nerve. There are fibers in it.
The spinal cord, its structure, is interesting to study in a plane. If you look at it in a section, you can notice in the center of the channel a gray matter that resembles a butterfly in shape. This is an accumulation of nerve cells. It is surrounded by white matter, which is a pathway, and they connect the brain segments together. The pathways can be divided into two types - ascending, which transmit excitation signals to the brain, and descending, those that conduct a response from the brain to organs.
The spinal cord, the structure and functions of which were not previously known, has now been studied and is not difficult. Spinal cord functions are divided into two broad categories. The first is referred to as reflex, and the second is conductor. The essence of the reflex function is that it accumulates the work of all reflex arcs, thereby controlling both the vegetative and somatic functions of the body. A certain segment of the spinal cord activates a skin area or muscle, as a vivid example can be given motor reflexes. For example, when you hit something on the knee, a sharp reflex of the kneecap extends. In addition, the spinal cord controls reflexes such as perspiration, dilated pupils, and diaphragm mobility. The reception of information and its transmission by the spinal cord is simply stunning - the signal is transmitted at a speed of sixty to one hundred and twenty meters per second (in different types of fibers in different ways). This speed is necessary so that a person's reaction to stimuli is as quick as possible. Thus, the body protects itself. And the sacral department is responsible for the genitourinary system - there is a center for regulating bowel movements, urination, and sexual function.
The essence of the conduction function is to conduct impulses to the brain, and then after processing the information - back to the parts of the human body.
The spinal cord, structure and functions of the organ are very sensitive to external influences. Despite the fact that the spinal cord is securely hidden from damage in the bones of the spine, it is still affected by it. So, from an early age the child needs to be accustomed to the correct fit, sufficient physical activity, physical education. Injuries to the spinal cord are very serious - they can permanently deprive a person of the ability to move and many other functions. By studying the spinal cord, structure, and function, doctors have only slightly advanced in rehabilitation matters. As a rule, it takes a very long time and without full restoration of functions. Therefore, it is very important to protect your health and remember that the spinal cord, structure and functions of this organ are unique. Our task is to protect it.