Evaluation of reflex changes. 1  Muscle: Stretch reflexes are depressed in parallel to loss of strength. 2  Neuromuscular junction: Stretch reflexes are depressed in parallel to loss of strength. 3  Peripheral Nerve: Stretch reflexes are depressed, usually out of proportion to weakness (which may be minimal).
Spinal cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies within the vertebral canal and from which the spinal nerves emerge. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves originate in the spinal cord: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal. The spinal cord and the brain constitute the central nervous system. The spinal cord consists of nerve fibers that transmit impulses to and from the brain. Like the brain, the spinal cord is covered by three connective-tissue envelopes called the meninges.
Description of Backbone. Backbone: The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The backbone encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.Also called spine, spinal column, and vertebral column.Source: National Institute of Health. Backbone: the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; the fall broke his back.ackbone: the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; the fall broke his back.