What is the Difference Between Spinal Cord and Spinal Column?

The spinal cord and spinal column are two distinct parts of the spine, serving different functions and having different structures:

• Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is a fragile, dense bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain down through an open space within the spinal column. It is a key part of the body's nervous system and serves as the nerve pathway that enables the brain and the body to communicate with each other. Branching off the spinal cord are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which match the number and location of the vertebrae nearest to where they exit the spine.
• Spinal Column: The spinal column, also known as the spine or backbone, is a connected and stacked column of bones running from the base of the skull to the lower back. A single bone is called a vertebra, and multiple bones are called vertebrae. The spinal column serves several key functions, including protecting and supporting the spinal cord, which is essential for the brain to deliver messages to the rest of the body. Additionally, the vertebrae bear the majority of the weight of the body.

In summary, the spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that enables communication between the brain and the body, while the spinal column is a series of bones that protect and support the spinal cord and bear the body's weight.

Comparative Table: Spinal Cord vs Spinal Column

The spinal cord and spinal column are both important parts of the human body's central nervous system, but they serve different functions. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

To summarize, the spinal cord is a tube-like structure made up of nerve fibers and serves as a communication pathway between the brain and the body, while the spinal column, also known as the backbone, is composed of bones called vertebrae and provides structural support and protection for the spinal cord.