Spinal Cord Anatomy

Abstract

The spinal cord, located inside the vertebral canal, transmits nerve impulses to 31 pairs of spinal nerves, allowing communication between the brain and peripheral nerves. Of clinical relevance, this transmission is achieved through two basic functions: afferent signals, in which sensations that arise from the nervous tissue of the trunk, neck, and forelimbs are transmitted to the brain, and efferent signals, in which the brain transmits signals to the trunk, neck, and limbs to effector organs, stimulating them to perform certain actions.