spinal cord and peripheral nervous system

What is the spinal cord a part of?

The central nervous system (CNS).

What is the structure of the spinal cord?,

A tightly packed column of nerve tissue extending from the brainstem through the central column of the spine

What protects the spinal cord?

Three protective membranes (meninges), cerebrospinal fluid, soft tissue layers, and the vertebrae (spinal column).

What do the nerves of the spinal cord do?

Carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body

What are the two types of matter visible in a cross-section of the spinal cord?

White matter and grey matter.

Where is the white matter located and what does it contain?

It is the outer layer and consists of myelinated nerve fibers

What is the shape and location of the grey matter?

It is butterfly-shaped and located in the core of the spinal cord

What does the grey matter contain?

Unmyelinated neurons, as well as cell bodies and dendrites of many spinal neurons.

What can result from an injury to the spinal column?

Damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis.

What is the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

It consists of nerves that link the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, including senses, muscles, glands, and internal organs

What structures does the PNS connect?

It connects the brain and spinal cord (CNS) to the rest of the body.

What does the PNS link the CNS to?

The senses, muscles, glands, and internal organs