The part of the vertebrate central nervous system that is posterior to the brain and enclosed within the vertebral column. It consists of a hollow core of grey matter (H-shaped in cross section) surrounded by an outer layer of white matter; the central cavity contains cerebrospinal fluid. The white matter contains numerous longitudinal nerve fibres organized into distinct tracts: ascending tracts consist of sensory neurons, conducting impulses towards the brain; descending tracts consist of motor neurons, transmitting impulses from the brain. Paired spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord.
Transverse section of the spinal cord
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