ICSE Class 7 Answered

Spinal cord is the continuation of the medulla oblongata.

It is protected by the backbone (vertebral column).  It runs down almost through the whole length of the backbone.

The section of the spinal cord shows two similar halves fused together to form the central canal.

The central canal is surrounded by H-shaped grey matter (made up of cell bodies) while its outer part contains white matter (made up of axons).

 Functions:

Controls the reflexes below the neck

Conducts messages from the skin and muscles to the brain

Conducts commands from the brain to muscles of the trunk and limb