The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem down through the spinal column.
It serves as a conduit for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is responsible for reflex actions and is essential for normal body function, including movement and sensation.
It is protected by the spine’s bones, called vertebrae, and is surrounded by layers of protective tissue. Damage to the spinal cord can result in a range of neurological deficits, including paralysis and loss of sensation.