Rückenmark

Rückenmark is a crucial component of the central nervous system in vertebrates. It is a long, cylindrical bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem down to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The primary function of the Rückenmark is to transmit nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the body, and to independently control certain reflexes. It is protected by the vertebral column, also known as the spine, which provides a bony shield. Within the vertebral canal, the Rückenmark is further surrounded by three protective membranes called meninges: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. Cerebrospinal fluid fills the space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, acting as a cushion and shock absorber. The Rückenmark itself is composed of gray matter, which contains neuron cell bodies, and white matter, which consists of myelinated axons. These axons are organized into ascending tracts that carry sensory information to the brain and descending tracts that carry motor commands from the brain. Damage to the Rückenmark can result in a loss of sensation and motor control below the level of the injury, a condition known as paralysis.