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The **spinal cord** functions as a highly efficient relay station, not only directing messages to and from the brain but also managing its own set of automatic processes, known as reflexes. At its upper end, the spinal cord merges with the brainstem, which controls essential life functions, such as breathing and digestion. In the opposite direction, the spinal cord ends just below the ribs, rather than extending to the base of the spine, contrary to what we might expect. The spinal cord is organized into 30 functional segments, each aligned with a vertebra and connected to a specific part of the body through the peripheral nervous system. Nerves branch from the spine at each vertebra: sensory nerves bring incoming signals, while motor nerves send outgoing signals to muscles and organs. Signals travel between the brain and body through each spinal segment. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously,The Brain and Spinal Cord, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at:http://cnx.org/contents/_Io4zP0c@7/The-Brain-and-Spinal-Cord* ## Keywords section of the spinal cord spinal cord central canal of the spinal cord gray white matter nerve bodies of neurons nerve fibers