Spinal cord

How it is used

Part of the central nervous system. A pair of spinal nerves leaves it at each level, and injuries are described by level, for example a spinal cord injury at C5. In adults it usually ends at around the level of L1–L2.

Example sentences

1. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, the meninges and the cerebrospinal fluid.

2. A lumbar puncture is done below the level where the spinal cord ends.

Common collocations

• spinal cord injury
• spinal nerve
• spinal canal
• spinal reflex

Related terms

• brainThe organ inside the skull that controls thought, memory, movement, the senses and many automatic body functions. Its main parts are the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brainstem.
• vertebraOne of the roughly 33 small bones stacked to form the spine (vertebral column). Each has a body, an arch and an opening through which the spinal cord passes.
• nervous systemThe network of the brain, spinal cord and nerves that receives information, processes it and controls the body's responses by sending electrical signals.
• reflexA fast, automatic response to a stimulus that does not need conscious thought, such as pulling your hand away from something hot. Many simple reflexes are handled by the spinal cord.
• nerveA cord-like bundle of nerve fibers (axons) that carries electrical signals between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.

More terms: Nervous and Endocrine Systems

• neuron
• hormone
• synapse
• gland
• action potential
• cerebellum
• thyroid gland