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The difference between the brain and spinal cord is easy to understand as they both have different structure and function. These both are part of the nervous system. Before discussing ‘what is the difference between the brain and spinal cord?’, let us have some basic details about the spinal cord and brain. Both play a very important role in sensing and sending a command to different parts of the human body.
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Brain
The brain is the main controlling center of the body. All thoughts, beliefs, memories, and behavior arise from the brain. The brain has mainly three parts i.e. Cerebrum, Brain stem, and Cerebellum. Each part of the brain occupies smaller areas which perform a specific function of the brain.
Cerebrum: This is the largest part of the brain which contains, Cerebral cortex, White matter, Subcortical structures. The cerebrum is divided into two parts: left cerebral hemisphere and right cerebral hemisphere.
Brain stem: The main function of the brain stem is to connect the cerebrum with the spinal cord with the help of a system of nerve cells and fibers located in the upper part of the brain stem.
Cerebellum: It is located in between the cerebrum and brainstem. The cerebellum helps in balancing the body with the help of balancing liquid in the ear. It helps in movement (walking, running) by receiving the information from the body.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, and tube-like structure made up of nervous tissue. The spinal cord starts from the brain stem and continues till the lumbar legion of the vertebral column. The main function of the spinal cord is to send and receive information from the brain to the rest of the body. It is divided into different segments mixing sensory and motor nerves.
Functions of the Spinal Cord
Some of the important functions are:
Spinal cord helps in Electro-chemical communication by sending and receiving signals from the brain to the different parts of the body.
It helps in walking by constantly contracting and relaxing the leg muscles.
It helps in reflexes (Involuntary responses).
Now, as we have basic details of the brain and spinal cord, let us discuss the difference between Spinal cord and Brain.
What is the Difference between the Brain and Spinal Cord?
Definition of the Brain vs. the Spinal Cord
The brain can be defined as the major controlling unit of the body. All the bodies’ actions which are required to maintain the body are done by the brain. The brain has 3 parts which are brain stem, cerebrum and cerebellum and each of these parts have specific functions and occupy smaller areas. The cerebrum is the largest one that is composed of the cerebral cortex, subcortical structures and white matter. Cerebrum is further divided into two parts which are called the right cerebral hemisphere and the left cerebral hemisphere. The brain stem has the main function in connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. This is done with the help of nerve cells and fibers which arise from the upper part of the brain stem. The last part of the brain is cerebellum which is situated between the brainstem and cerebrum. This helps in balancing the body with the fluid present in the ear which helps in body equilibrium. Cerebellum helps in movement of the body when it receives signals from the body.
The spinal cord is thin, long and tube-like. It is made up of nervous tissues and starts from the brain stem. This continues till the lumbar region part of the vertebral column. Spinal cord has the main function to send and receive signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The spinal cord is divided into different segments of motor and sensory nerves.
FAQs on Difference Between Brain And Spinal Cord
1. What is the main difference between the brain and the spinal cord?
The main difference is their primary role. The brain is the body's central command centre, responsible for processing information, making complex decisions, thoughts, and emotions. In contrast, the spinal cord acts as the main communication highway, relaying nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The brain is located in the skull, while the spinal cord is housed within the vertebral column.
2. What are the key functions of the brain and the spinal cord?
While both are parts of the central nervous system, their functions are distinct:
- Brain Functions: It controls all voluntary actions like speaking and walking, interprets sensory input (sight, sound, touch), manages memory, and regulates vital involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing.
- Spinal Cord Functions: Its primary job is to transmit nerve impulses. It also independently controls reflex actions, which are quick, automatic responses to stimuli that don't require initial processing by the brain.
3. How are the brain and spinal cord protected from physical damage?
Both structures are extremely well-protected. The brain is encased by the hard, bony skull. The spinal cord is protected by the series of bones that make up the vertebral column (or spine). Additionally, both are covered by three protective membranes called the meninges and are cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid, which helps to absorb shocks.
4. Is the spine the same thing as the spinal cord?
No, they are two different but related structures. The spine, or vertebral column, is the stack of bones that provides structural support and protection. The spinal cord is the delicate bundle of nerves that runs through a canal in the centre of these bones. Think of the spine as the protective armour and the spinal cord as the crucial electrical wiring inside it.
5. How do the brain and the spinal cord work together to control the body?
They work as a continuous communication loop. For instance, when you touch an object, sensory nerves send signals up the spinal cord to your brain. The brain interprets this signal and sends a command back down the spinal cord to your muscles to perform an action, like gripping the object. This constant two-way flow of information allows for coordinated movement and response to the environment.
6. Can the spinal cord make any 'decisions' on its own without the brain?
Yes, in a limited but critical way. The spinal cord manages reflex arcs. When you touch something dangerously hot, the sensory signal travels to the spinal cord, which immediately issues a command to your muscles to pull away. This rapid, protective action happens before the brain is even fully aware of the pain, showcasing the spinal cord's ability to execute simple, urgent responses on its own.
7. How is the arrangement of grey and white matter different in the brain and spinal cord?
The arrangement is essentially opposite in the two structures. In the brain, the grey matter (which contains the main nerve cell bodies) is mostly on the outer surface, with the white matter (containing the connecting nerve fibres) located deeper inside. In the spinal cord, this is reversed: the white matter forms the outer layer, while the grey matter is found in an H-shaped core at its centre.
8. What structure connects the brain to the spinal cord?
The brain and spinal cord are connected by a part of the brainstem called the medulla oblongata. This structure is the lowermost part of the brain and seamlessly transitions into the top of the spinal cord, serving as the vital bridge for all nerve signals passing between them.
