The Functions of the Brain & the Spinal Cord

Question: Describe the functions of the brain and the spinal cord. How are these functions similar? How are these functions dissimilar?

The brain is the center of human body’s control. All feelings, thoughts and actions are conditioned by the work of the central nervous system. The brain controls the body by sending electrical signals through the nerve fibers, which first combine into the spinal cord, and then spread out through various organs (along the peripheral nervous system). According to Ciccarelli and White (2016), the spinal cord is a “cord” of nerve fibers and is located in the middle of the spinal column. The brain and spinal cord form together the central nervous system (CNS).

The functions of the brain include the processing of sensory information, which comes from the senses. The speech is going about positive and negative emotions, process of planning, coordination and movement control, decision-making process, memory and attention. The highest function that is thinking is also performed by the human brain. In addition, understanding and speech generation are also important functions of the brain. 

The spinal cord has a rather complex structure and provides transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the peripheral structures of the nervous system, and also carries out its own reflex activity. Normal breathing, palpitation, digestion, urination, sexual activity, and any movements in the limbs are impossible without the functioning of the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is endowed with two important functions – the reflex and the conductive. Presence of the simplest motor reflexes is caused by the reflex function of the spinal cord. The connection of the spinal cord to the skeletal muscles is possible due to the reflex arc, which is the pathway of nerve impulses. The conducting function consists in transferring nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the brain (with the help of ascending paths of movement), as well as from the brain along descending paths to the organs of various body systems.

The structure of the brain and spinal cord has much in common. This becomes clear with a detailed examination of the white substance of the medulla oblongata. The white matter of the brain is represented by long and short nerve fibers. The gray matter is represented in the form of nuclei. This brain is responsible for coordination of movement, balance, regulation of metabolism, circulation and respiration. It is also responsible for coughing and sneezing. Moreover, downward impulses allow the brain to “manage” the body. Thus, everything the person has conceived is carried out with the help of the spinal cord, while normal functioning of the spinal cord provides all the vital activity of man. It serves as an intermediate link between the brain and various parts of the body, transmitting information in the form of impulses in both directions.

Reference

Ciccarelli, S. K. & White, N. J. (2016). Psychology, 5th Ed. Pearson.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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