Impulses from the brain are what allow us to perceive the world around us. Through touch and movement of our bodies, we also carry out essential functions that we aren’t usually aware of or even in control of – including breathing, digesting food and circulating blood. While the brain is responsible for producing these impulses, the spinal cord is what actually transports and delivers them to the various parts of the body. When this cord is damaged, there are often catastrophic consequences, including paralysis.

» Read more: Understanding How Paralysis May Be Caused by Spinal Cord Injury