Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes over the spinal cord and surrounding the brain. It can also cause infection in the blood. Because it attacks the brain and spinal cord, it can also cause hearing loss, learning disabilities, or brain damage. Meningococcal disease caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. But even with treatment, the disease can be fatal. The meningococcal meningitis vaccine offers some protection against meningitis.
Spinal Cord
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1 AnswerDr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredThe spinal cord runs through a column of open space that is created when the bones of the spine, called the vertebrae, are stacked on top of each other. The animation tells you more about where the spinal cord is located.
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1 AnswerDr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredThe spinal cord is part of your nervous system. It carries signals that control the body’s movements and convey sensations. It is housed inside the column of bones called the spine or spinal column. Watch to learn more about the spine and spinal cord.
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2 AnswersDr. Gerald M. Silverman , Chiropractic Medicine, answeredThe spinal cord is the largest group of nerves found inside the spinal column. The spinal cord is an extension of brain tissue; along with the brain, it makes up the central nervous system (CNS). These nerves are the controlling core of your existence, and they are therefore encased in bone, surrounded by thick and strong ligaments, floated in their own spinal fluid, and given their own blood barrier to protect them against most of what circulates throughout the rest of your body.
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2 AnswersJumo Health answered
The spinal cord is made up of lots of nerves. These nerves branch out into more nerves that travel to every part of the body. The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain all the way down the back. It's protected by bones called vertebrae.
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1 AnswerThe cervical spinal cord is the part of the spinal cord that runs through the neck. Each vertebra has an opening called the vertebral foramen. When the vertebrae are stacked on each other, the vertebral foramens form a tunnel to hold the spinal cord.
(This answer provided for NATA by the University of Alabama Athletic Training Education Program.)