Difference Between Brain and Spinal Cord

Difference Between Brain and Spinal Cord: The brain and Spinal Cord are components of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and play important roles in controlling and coordinating processes in the human body. The major difference between these two structures is that the brain is responsible for controlling various activities of the body while the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Also, there are differences based on location, structure, types of nerves, etc.

Difference Between Brain and Spinal Cord

Differences between the Brain and Spinal Cord are as follows:

Features	Brain	Spinal Cord
Location	Present in the head region	Runs through the neural canal from the neck to the lower back
Structure	Divided into three parts: Forebrain, Midbrain, Hindbrain	Divided into four regions: Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral
Functions	Controls almost all body activities including thoughts, beliefs, memories, emotions, appetite, sensations, and involuntary actions	Carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body
Nerves	12 pairs	31 pairs
Types of nerves	Sensory, motor, and mixed nerves	Only mixed nerves
Matter Composition	Grey matter in the outer region and white matter in the inner region	White matter in the outer region and grey matter in the inner region
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)	Produced in the ventricles of the brain and present within the ventricles and the subarachnoid space	Present in the central canal that runs through the center of the spinal cord

Based on the locations and functions, the Nervous System is classified into Central Nervous System(CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System(PNS). CNS consists of Brain and Spinal cord while PNS consists of different types of nerves for transmitting messages.

Brain

The brain is a part of the CNS. It is the most complex organ and is present in the head region of the human body. It is known as the ‘control center’ of the body as it controls almost all the activities of the body including thoughts, beliefs, memories, emotions, appetite, sensations, involuntary actions, etc. It is the first organ that starts developing in an embryo and continues its development till 18 years of age. It is protected by a cranium/brain box which is made up of 8 bones. Cranium is a part of the skull. Also, it is covered by three cranial meninges, namely, Dura mater, Arachnoid, and Pia mater. From the brain, 12 pairs of cranial nerves arise. These nerves can be sensory, motor, and mixed. The whole Brain except the medulla region contains grey matter in the outer region and white matter in the inner region. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is produced in the ventricles of the brain. The CSF within the brain is present within the ventricles and the subarachnoid space.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is also a part of the CNS. It is a long, narrow, tubular structure present on the dorsal side and runs through the neural canal from the neck to the lower back of the human body. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It is protected by the vertebral column which is made up of 26 vertebrae. It is also covered by three meninges, namely, Dura mater, Arachnoid, and Pia mater. From the Spinal cord, 31 pairs of spinal nerves arise. All spinal nerves are mixed in nature. The spinal cord and medulla region of the brain contains white matter in the outer region and grey matter in the inner region.CSF is present in the central canal that runs through the center of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is divided into four regions-Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral.

Similarities Between the Brain and Spinal Cord

Below are some similarities between the brain and the spinal cord:

• Both are parts of the Central Nervous System (CNS): The brain and spinal cord are components of the CNS.
• Protected by meninges: Both are covered and protected by three layers of meninges: the Dura mater, Arachnoid, and Pia mater.
• Carry nerve signals: Both the brain and spinal cord play an important role in transmitting messages throughout the body.
• Composed of grey and white matter: Both the brain and spinal cord contain regions of grey matter and white matter.
• Cerebrospinal fluid: The brain and spinal cord contain cerebrospinal fluid. CSF helps in protecting these structures.

FAQs on Brain and Spinal Cord

Q: What is the major difference between the brain and the spinal cord?

Answer:

The major difference between the brain and spinal cord lies in their structures and functions. The brain is the most complex organ and controls various activities of the body while the spinal cord serves as a pathway for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Q: How is the brain protected?

Answer:

The brain is protected by a cranium, which is made up of eight bones and is a part of the skull. Also, it is covered by three layers of cranial meninges: the Dura mater, Arachnoid, and Pia mater.

Q: What are the main regions of the brain?

Answer:

The brain is divided into three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

Q: What is the function of the spinal cord?

Answer:

The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It transmits sensory information from the body to the brain and motor information from the brain to the rest of the body.

Q: How is the spinal cord protected?

Answer:

The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column, which consists of 26 vertebrae. Also, it is covered by three layers of meninges: the Dura mater, Arachnoid, and Pia mater.