Perceptions about the human spinal cord have undergone a revolution in recent years. What was once considered hopeless is now showing signs of promise. CDRF-funded scientists are on the cutting-edge of spinal cord research and making advances every day.

This tutorial is designed as an introduction for the lay person to spinal cord injury and repair. It includes information on what happens to the spinal cord as a result of traumatic injury and some of the latest developments in the search for effective treatments.

This glossary of spinal cord teminology will come in handy!

The Central Nervous System
1. What is the Central Nervous System? 
2. How is the Central Nervous System Different from Other Systems of the Body?    
3. How Does the Central Nervous System Protect Itself from Injury?  
4. Why Can't the Central Nervous System Repair Itself Following Injury?  

Cells of the Central Nervous System
1. Neurons    
2. Astrocytes   
3. Microglia   
4. Oligodendrocytes 

How We Control Movement and Sense the World
1. Synapses and Neurotransmission
2. What Causes Paralysis
3. The Information Pathways     
4. Voluntary and Involuntary Movement   
5. The Spinal Cord and Muscles Working Together
6. The Spinal Cord and Internal Organs Working Together

The Major Challenges Facing Spinal Cord Research
1. What Happens Following a Spinal Cord Injury
2. Intervention Strategies