selkähermoston

The spinal cord, also known as the selkähermoston in Finnish, is a long, thin bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem through the vertebral column. It serves as a conduit for sensory and motor signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae and cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and supports it.

The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments, each corresponding to a pair of spinal nerves that exit the cord through the intervertebral foramina. These nerves innervate various parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and internal organs. The spinal cord also contains gray matter, which consists of cell bodies and dendrites of neurons, and white matter, which contains axons that transmit signals.

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in reflex actions, such as the knee-jerk reflex, which does not require conscious thought. It also relays sensory information, like touch, temperature, and pain, to the brain, and motor commands from the brain to muscles.

Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other neurological deficits, depending on the location and severity of the injury. The spinal cord is a vital component of the nervous system, and its proper functioning is essential for many aspects of human health and well-being.