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spinal cord science definition
The long, cordlike part of the central nervous system that is enclosed within the vertebral column (spine) and descends from the base of the brain, with which it is continuous. The spinal cord branches to form the nerves that convey motor and sensory impulses to and from the tissues of the body.
spinal cord
left: section of vertebral column showing the spinal cord within the column;
right: segment of spinal cord with associated nerve fibers
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