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Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

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The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
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Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy01:15

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The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...
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The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
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The Spinal Cord01:54

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The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
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Spinal Cord: Information Processing01:10

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The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
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John H. Renwick first coined the term “synteny” in 1971, which refers to the genes present on the same chromosomes, even if they are not genetically linked. The species with common ancestry tend to show conserved syntenic regions. Therefore, the concept of synteny is nowadays used to describe the evolutionary relationship between species.
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Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
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Spinal cord evolution in early Homo.

Marc R Meyer1, Martin Haeusler2

  • 1Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA.

Journal of Human Evolution
|November 11, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Homo erectus had a spinal canal size and shape similar to modern humans, challenging previous notions of their neurological evolution. This finding suggests early Homo had advanced postcranial neurological capabilities.

Keywords:
AustralopithecusHomo erectusPathologySpinal cordSpinal stenosisVertebrae

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Human Evolution
  • Comparative Anatomy

Background:

  • The Nariokotome Homo erectus skeleton (KNM-WT 15000) presented a narrow spinal canal, suggesting limited postcranial neurological development.
  • This finding implied brain expansion in Homo erectus preceded spinal cord evolution, contrasting with modern human anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the spinal canal morphology of Homo erectus (KNM-WT 15000 and Dmanisi fossils) with other hominins and modern humans.
  • To re-evaluate the implications of spinal canal size and shape for Homo erectus neurological capabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of spinal canal size and shape using fossil specimens (KNM-WT 15000, Dmanisi Homo erectus, Homo antecessor, Sima de los Huesos hominins) and modern humans (Pan troglodytes).
  • Assessment of vertebral morphology, focusing on absolute and relative spinal canal dimensions.

Main Results:

  • The Dmanisi Homo erectus spinal canals and most KNM-WT 15000 vertebrae fall within the modern human range of variation.
  • Constricted C7, T2, and T3 vertebrae in KNM-WT 15000 suggest potential spinal stenosis, but do not represent the entire spinal canal.
  • Homo erectus, unlike Australopithecus, exhibited spinal canal size and shape comparable to modern humans.

Conclusions:

  • Homo erectus possessed a postcranial neurological endowment broadly equivalent to modern humans, contrary to previous interpretations based solely on KNM-WT 15000.
  • This suggests significant neurological, structural, and vascular advancements in early Homo compared to earlier hominins and apes.
  • The study questions the direct link between vertebral morphology and the evolution of respiratory control or language.