Pharmacology

Spinal Cord The spinal cord constitutes the central nervous system (CNS) along with the brain. Terminologies Nerve : A group of neurons outside the CNS Tract : A group of neurons within the CNS Protections to the spinal cord As we know that CNS is a delicate system, therefore considerable protections are available to the spinal cord: Vertebral Column Meninges Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Vertebral column The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column. The spinal cord is positioned in the vertebral canal (made by stacking vertebral foramina). 7 cervical vertebrae (cervic- = neck) in the neck region. 12 thoracic vertebrae (thorax = chest) posterior to the thoracic cavity. 5 lumbar vertebrae (lumb- = loin) supporting the lower back. 1 sacrum (SA-krum = sacred bone) consisting of five fused sacral vertebrae. 1 coccyx (KOK-siks = cuckoo) having four fused coccygeal vertebrae (kok-SIJ-ē-al). Meninges Three layers of connective tissue cover the CNS and protect