The brain and the spinal cord, together, compose the central nervous system.  Only relatively recently has research shifted focus to consider the integral functions at the individual neuronal and network levels that are mediated by the spinal cord. In this volume, recent work is presented addressing developments in this emerging area.  Short reviews examine motor neuron synaptic plasticity, molecular signaling in motor circuits, advances in in vivo and in vitro imaging of spinal cord injury, inhibitory and excitatory locomotor programs, and mapping the circuitry of tactile and sensory functions, including nociception and pain relief. Collectively, these papers provide an overview of some of the most exciting topics in spinal cord research—spanning basic cellular mechanisms to translational approaches. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit http://ordering.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subs.asp?ref=1749-6632&doi=10.1111/(ISSN)1749-6632. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.