The Spinal Cord and Internal Organs Working Together

In addition to the control of voluntary movement, the central nervous system contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways that control the "fight or flight" response to danger and regulation of bodily functions. These include hormone release, movement of food through the stomach and intestines, and the sensations from and muscular control to all internal organs.

The diagram illustrates these pathways and the level of the spinal cord projecting to each organ.