what does the spinal cord do

The spinal cord is a long, tube-like band of tissue that runs through the center of the spine, from the brainstem to the lower back. It is an essential feature of the central nervous system (CNS) and is organized segmentally, with 31 pairs of spinal nerves emanating from it. The primary roles of the spinal cord are to send motor commands from the brain to the body and send sensory information from the body to the brain. The spinal cord carries nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa, which helps us feel sensations and move our muscles. It also contains central pattern generators, interneurons that form the neural circuits that control rhythmic movements. In certain instances, the spinal cord can act without signals from the brain, as it can independently coordinate reflexes using reflex arcs. The spinal cord also contains nerve bundles and cells that carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Any damage or injury to the spinal cord can affect a persons movement or function. The spinal cord also regulates autonomic functions such as digestion, urination, body temperature, heart rate, and dilation/contraction of blood vessels (blood pressure).