Spinal Cord

While the brain and the spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System (CNS), the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is comprised mainly of nerve fibers and ganglion cells. The two systems cannot be clearly distinguished from one another as they are functionally closely interlinked. The PNS conducts information from the CNS, via numerous nerve fibers, to the effector organs and vice versa. The cranial and spinal nerves belong to the PNS. In this article, we address the spinal nerves and the nerve plexuses that supply the extremities, namely the cervical and brachial plexus.

The spinal cord (medulla spinalis) is part of the central nervous system, while simultaneously connecting the body to the brain. On the posterior side of the spinal cord, sensory information from the skin, skeletal musculature, joints and intestines, flows in from the afferent nerves via the dorsal root of the spinal nerves. On the frontal side, in turn, spinal nerve roots exit as efferences and deliver information to the peripheral nervous system – to the skeletal musculature and the intestines, and so forth. The following article will provide you with a first impression of the structure and function of this fascinating organ.

The spinal cord is the continuation of the brain stem medulla below the foramen magnum. This article discusses lesions and diseases of the spinal cord, highlighting the Brown-Sequard syndrome and Tabes Dorsalis.

Syringomyelia is characterised by progressive abnormal CSF accumulation in the spinal cord. It causes dissociated suspended anaesthesia affecting pain and temperature sensation predominantly in the upper limbs. Etiology is unclear. There are many theories proposed but the accepted fact is that it is a manifestation of an underlying pathology rather than being a disease itself. Treatment of the primary cause often leads to regression of the syrinx.