Spinal Cord and Nerves

The spinal column has also an important protection function as well as the mechanical support task: In the middle of each vertebrae there is a large opening, in which the spinal cord and the nerves pass. Collectively these vertebral openings form the spinal canal. Because the spinal cord is surrounded by bones and tendons, it is optimally protected against mechanical influences and impacts.

The spinal cord is directly connected to the brain and similarly like the brain surrounded by a membrane called the meninges, which floats in a fluid.

Between respective vertebral joints nerve couplets exit the spinal cord. Altogether 31 nerve couplets, exit the protection of cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal column. These nerves continue to branch throughout the body, sensing touch, heat, cold, stings, and impacts at specific locations and controlling muscles. If a nerve in the area of the spinal disks gets trapped or the spinal cord is damaged through accidents or diseases, it can lead to pain, movement restrictions of the muscles, and even complete paralysis.