Question

what are the sections of the spinal cord and what do they control

Answer 1

The spinal cord is devided into five sections. They are:- Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral and Coccygeal.

Functions :-

1. Cervical spinal cord:- It helps in neck flexion,extension , shoulder movement, to raise arm, to flex elbow etc and supplies nerve to diaphragm and small muscles. cervical spine provide mobility and stability to the head while connecting into the relatively immobile thoracic spine. It helps in the nodding movement of the head by flexion and extension at the joint between the atlas and the occipital bone (the atlanto-occipital joint)

2. Thoracic spinal cord:- movement of intercostal and upper trunk, nerve supply to abdominal muscles. There are twelve vertebrae are numbered T1-T12 are thoracic vertebrae. the main function is to hold the ribcage and protect the internal organs situated in the thoracic cavity, that are heart and lungs. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited.

3. Lumbar spinal cord:- helps to flex the hip joint, abduct thigh and extention of leg. There are five lumbar vertebrae numbered L1 to L5. The main function is to bearvthe body weight. The larger size of lumbar vertebrae absorb the stress of lifting and carrying heavy objects.

4. Sacral spine:- A pair of joints called sacroiliac joints function in concert with one onother. The left and right SI joints support and transmit the weight of the body to the legs through the pelvis. They also form a strong base for the spine.

5. Coccygeal spine (coccyx):- It acts as an attachment site for tendon, ligaments and muscles. it helps in distribution of weight between the bottom portions of the two hip bones called ischium and tailbone. It providing balance and stability when a person is seated. The tailbone is the connecting point for many pelvic floor muscles.