PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your body’s information highway

THE SPINAL CORD

Your spinal cord is like the charging cable between your brain and body.
It sends messages back and forth, helping you move, feel, and react.

It doesn’t just carry signals — your spinal cord also:

  • Plays a role in posture and balance

  • Sends sensory info (like touch or temperature) to your brain

  • Reacts instantly through reflexes — no thinking required

  • Supports digestion, bladder control, and pain responses

SPINAL CORD BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for brain-related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Spinal Cord - The main nerve pathway connecting brain and body

Vertebrae - The bones of the spine that protect the spinal cord

Discs - Cushions between vertebrae — act like shock absorbers

Nerve Roots - Where nerves branch out from the spinal cord to different areas

Spinal Nerves - Pairs of nerves (31 total) that control body regions

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) - Protective, nourishing fluid around brain + spine

Reflex Arcs - Nerve circuits that cause automatic movements (like pulling away from pain)

WHAT THE SPINAL CORD WORKS WITH

spinal cord + OTHER SYSTEMS

Your brain is powerful — but it doesn’t work alone. It constantly communicates with:

  • Nervous System: Sends messages through electrical signals, like a text chain between your brain and body

  • Endocrine System (Hormones): Sends chemical messages to regulate mood, stress, metabolism, etc.

  • Digestive System: Sends info about nutrients, hunger, inflammation — and even makes neurotransmitters like serotonin

  • Immune System: Helps detect threats and inflammation; affects your mood and energy levels

Your body is like a team — and the brain is the coach, listening and responding all day long.