spinal cord

noun

: the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in the spinal canal, gives off the pairs of spinal nerves, carries impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a center for initiating and coordinating many reflex acts see brain illustration

Examples of spinal cord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nine years on from his life-altering brush with death, Edwards wants to inspire others through his exploits, on top of raising around $400,000 (£300,000) for people with spinal cord injuries with his Antarctica challenge. —Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025

While there’s no way to reverse spinal cord damage, treatments exist to help promote nerve cell regeneration, improve nerve function and prevent further injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025

The trials represent a critical opportunity for those with neurological injuries or diseases that inhibit the ability to use both hands: this includes cervical spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, muscular dystrophy, and ALS among other conditions. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025

Researchers spent years working with two patients who had suffered spinal cord injuries that left them unable to control their limbs. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spinal cord

noun

: the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain along the back in the cavity of the backbone, branches to form the spinal nerves, carries nerve impulses to and from the brain, and helps to control reflex actions

Medical Definition

spinal cord

noun

: the thick longitudinal cord of nervous tissue that in vertebrates extends along the back dorsal to the bodies of the vertebrae and is enclosed in the spinal canal formed by their neural arches, is continuous anteriorly with the medulla oblongata, gives off at intervals pairs of spinal nerves to the various parts of the trunk and limbs, serves not only as a pathway for nerve impulses to and from the brain but as a center for carrying out and coordinating many reflex actions independently of the brain, and is composed largely of white matter arranged in columns and tracts of longitudinal fibers about a large central core of gray matter somewhat H-shaped in cross section and pierced centrally by a small longitudinal canal continuous with the ventricles of the brain

called also medulla spinalis