What Does The Spinal Cord Do?
The spinal cord actually is part of the brain and plays a major role. Scientists have known for the past 100 years or so that the spinal cord is actually part of the brain. According to Melillo, while the brain has grey matter on the outside (protected by the skull) and protected white matter on the inside, the spinal cord is the reverse: the grey matter is inside the spinal cord and the white matter is outside.
1.
Neuronal fibre tracts Spinal nerve
2.
Nerve root
3. Grey matter cells : Grey matter cells in the spinal cord
cannot regenerate, which is why people with a serious spinal cord injury cannot
recover over a period of time. White matter cells can re-generate.
4.
White matter cells : White matter cells in the spinal
cord carry the electro-chemical pulses up to the brain. For example, when you
are kicked in the shin, you feel the pain in the shin and your brain then tells
you to move your hand to cover that area.
5.
Spinal cord core : In the core of the spinal cord, grey
matter – like the kind in the
outer layer of the brain – is for processing nerve cells such as touch, pain and movement.
6.
Spinal nerve
7. Neurogenesis : According to Tallal, by repeating
brain activities such as memorisation and pattern recognition, you can grow new
brain cells in the spinal cord and brain.
8. Neuroplasticity : In the spinal cord and in the brain,
cells can rejuvenate over time when you exercise and become strengthened. This process is called neuroplasticity.
