Difference Between Spinal Cord and Backbone

The spinal cord and backbone both play a vital role in the functioning of the human body. The Spinal cord belongs to the nervous system whereas the backbone belongs to the skeletal system. The spinal cord is a long nerve shape whereas the backbone is composed of vertebrates. The spinal cord lies within the backbone. Stretching from the base of the spine almost to the brain’s stem, the spinal cord is a long, delicate tube-like tissue. On the other hand, the backbone is an individual bone that stretches from the neck to the lower back which is used to bend the body.

Difference Between Spinal Cord and Backbone

Differences between Spinal Cord and Backbone are as follows:

Properties	Spinal Cord	Backbone
Definition	The cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in the spinal canal gives off the pairs of spinal nerves, carries impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a center of coordination.	It is also known as the vertebral column. It is a back-supporting bone that works for stability, flexibility, and protection of the spinal cord. Even, In humans the backbone consists of individual vertebrae.
Role	A long, tube-like band of tissue makes up the spinal cord. Your lower back and brain are connected by it. These impulses are transmitted from your brain to your body.	The main role of the backbone is to protect the spinal cord. Additionally, it offers body stiffness and attachment for numerous muscles.
Structure	It is the long, cylindrical structure that connects your brain and lower back.	Backbones are made up of 33 smaller bones, that connect with each other to form the spinal column.
Size	It is about 18 inches (45 cm) in length which extends from the base of the brain and ends at the lumbar vertebra in the lower back.	It is about 26 inches (66 cm) in length which extends from the skull to the tailbone.
Segments	It has 31 segments which are divided into: 8 cervical nerves 5 lumbar nerves 12 thoracic nerves 1 coccygeal nerve 5 sacral nerves	It has 5 segments which are given below: The cervical spine The thoracic spine The lumbar spine The sacrum The coccyx.
Exposure to injury	The spinal cord is open to injury from various causes, including trauma, disease, and degeneration.	The backbone is open to injury from various causes including repetitive stress, bad posture, and heavy lifting.
Flexibility	It allows you to move your head freely back and forth as well as up and down. It is the most flexible and movable section of the spine.	It allows the backbone to bend, twist, and absorb shock during movement.
Location	It lies in the upper 2/3rd part of the vertebral canal covered by “Meninges”.	It is located along the dorsal side of the human body.

What is the Spinal Cord?

Spinal Cord is also known as “Myelon” which comprises 2% of the central nervous system (CNS). It has elongated the lower part of the CNS, which relays nerve impulses from organs to the brain and vice-versa via tracts. The scientific name for the spinal cord is “medulla spinalis.”, The Spinal Cord lies in the upper 2/3rd part of the vertebral canal, covered by “Meninges”. and extends from the upper border of the “atlas” up to the L2 vertebra. Let’s talk about the extended features of the spinal cord is about 18 inches(40-45 centimeters) in length, 1.8-2.0 centimeters in width, and is relatively Elongated Cylindrical in shape.

Functions of Spinal Cord

The areas of the Spinal cord, that function in their ways:

• Cervical: It controls procedures related to the upper limbs and neck.
• Thoracic: It controls the signals that go to the trunk and some abdominal areas.
• Lumbar: It regulates the impulses that go to the lower limbs and a portion of the abdomen.
• Sacral: It mostly controls messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs.
• Coccygeal: The bottom portion, connected to the coccyx.

What is Backbone?

The backbone is a long hollowed-out, rod-like structure running from the neck to the lower back, inside our body. The Scientific name of the backbone is the vertebral column. Whereas, it is made up of small bones placed one over the other. The small bones that make the complete single backbone are called vertebrae. Let’s talk about their extended features of the backbone is about 70-75 cm in length, 5-7 cm in width, and is a relatively S-shaped vertebral column.

Functions of Backbone

The areas of the Backbone that are made up of vertebrae, function in their ways:

• Cervical Spine(C1-C8): It supports and facilitates the movement of your head.
• Thoracic Spine (T1-T12):  The upper and middle regions of the back are formed by the 12 vertebrae that make up the thoracic portion of the spine, which articulates with the ribs.
• Lumbar Spine(L1-L5):  It supports the upper parts of the spine that connect to the pelvis and bears most of the body’s weight.
• Sacrum (S1-S5): The sacral region is formed by the fusion of five vertebrae into a single structure is also known as the sacrum.
• Coccyx (Co1): It has four fused vertebrae that make up this small piece of bone found at the bottom of your spine.

FAQs – Spinal Cord and Backbone

1. Are the Spinal Cord and Backbone the same?

No, the spinal cord and backbone are not same. They are completely different structure. The backbone protects and supports the spinal cord structurally. Whereas, the spinal cord is an essential neurological component that transmits messages.

2. Does the Spine mean Backbone?

The spine and backbone both are bony structure that supports your body and allow us to stand upright. Additionally, It serves as a link between various musculoskeletal system components, which comprise the bones and muscles in the body.

3. What is the Function of the Backbone?

In the human body, backbone is also known as the vertebral column, that performs a number of vital roles. It aids in weight-bearing and balance, protects the spinal cord, offers structural support, and permits flexibility and movement.

4. How many Bones are there in the Spinal Cord?

There are no bones in the spinal cord itself. Rather, 33 separate vertebrae that make up the vertebral column also referred to as the backbone which enclose and safeguard the spinal cord that used to connect with each other through flexible joints. Even, most of have 24 vertebrae in the human body.

5. Where is the Spinal Cord Located?

The spinal cord lies inside the spinal column, which is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. In the upper 2/3rd part of the vertebral canal covered by “Meninges”. Whereas from the base of the brain, the spinal cord runs through the spinal canal and terminates in the lower back.