The spinal cord connects the brain with the body and can also produce rapid, automatic responses. This lesson explains how messages travel through the spinal cord, how reflexes protect the body, and how the nervous system can adapt after experience or injury.
The spinal cord is a major pathway linking the brain to the rest of the body. Its upper end joins the brainstem, which controls essential processes such as breathing and digestion. The cord does not extend all the way to the bottom of the spine; it ends below the ribs.
All flashcards
What does the spinal cord do?
It links the brain with the body, carrying sensory information toward the brain and motor commands toward muscles and organs. It also coordinates some automatic reflexes.
What is a spinal reflex?
A spinal reflex is a rapid, automatic response initiated by spinal cord circuits. It can occur without waiting for the brain to interpret the sensory message.
How do sensory and motor nerves differ?
Sensory nerves carry information from the body toward the spinal cord and brain. Motor nerves carry commands from the central nervous system to muscles and organs.
What can happen after spinal cord damage?
Communication between the brain and body regions below the damaged segment may be interrupted, causing loss of movement or sensation. The effects depend partly on the injury's location.
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the nervous system's ability to change and adapt. It may involve changes to synapses, glial cells, or the number of neurons, and it can occur with development, experience, or injury.
Quiz questions
Which description best captures the spinal cord's communication role?Answer: It carries sensory information toward the brain and motor commands to the body.
What distinguishes a spinal reflex from a response requiring conscious planning?Answer: Spinal cord circuits can initiate it automatically before the brain processes the signal.
Why can a withdrawal reflex begin before the brain processes the stimulus?Answer: Spinal circuits can send a motor command without waiting for a signal to travel to the brain and back.
How do spinal cord injuries at different levels generally compare?Answer: An injury lower on the spine generally affects fewer body functions than one higher up.
How can practice and therapy support recovery after nervous system injury?Answer: They can support plastic changes that help restore or reorganize function.
Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.