By way of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), nerve impulses travel to and from the brain through the spinal cord to a specific location in the body. The PNS is a complex system of nerves that branch off from the spinal nerve roots. These nerves travel outside of the spinal canal to the upper extremities (arms, hands and fingers), to the muscles of the trunk, to the lower extremities (legs, feet and toes), and to the organs of the body.

Any interruption of spinal-cord function by disease or injury at a particular level may result in a loss of sensation and motor function below that level. Depending on the severity of the disease or injury, the loss of function may be permanent. Source – aans.org