1. The Spinal Cord

2. Spinal Cord Anatomy
The spinal cord houses a number of the cell bodies of the nerves located in the peripheral tissues.

3. Nerves attach to the spinal cord at two roots
Anterior root
Dorsal root
As you move away from spinal cord the two roots of each nerve merge to form the actual nerve.

4. Basic Facts Approximately 17 inches Continuation of the brain stem
Conducts messages to and from the brain
Major reflex center of the body

5. Enclosed in the vertebral column
Extends from foramen magnum to L2 (just below the ribs)
Covered by meninges – membranes for protection

6. Gray matter in center
White matter radiating out

7. Central canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid
Nerves leave at the level of each vertebrae