What encases and protects the spinal cord?

What encases and protects the spinal cord?

• A. The intervertebral disc
• B. The vertebral body
• C. The spinal canal
• D. The vertebral arch

Answer: (C)

The spinal cord is encased and protected by the spinal canal, which is formed by the stacked vertebrae of the spinal column. The spinal canal provides a bony structure that not only secures the spinal cord but also allows for the safe passage of nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. The vertebrae surrounding the spinal canal work together to create a protective sheath around this critical nervous system structure, minimizing the risk of injury. The other options refer to components associated with the spine but do not directly serve the protective function of the spinal canal. The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between vertebrae, the vertebral body is the main part of each vertebra that supports weight, and the vertebral arch provides additional protection and attachment points for muscles and ligaments, but none of these form the complete enclosing structure that is essential for the protection of the spinal cord like the spinal canal does.

The spinal cord is encased and protected by the spinal canal, which is formed by the stacked vertebrae of the spinal column. The spinal canal provides a bony structure that not only secures the spinal cord but also allows for the safe passage of nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. The vertebrae surrounding the spinal canal work together to create a protective sheath around this critical nervous system structure, minimizing the risk of injury.

The other options refer to components associated with the spine but do not directly serve the protective function of the spinal canal. The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between vertebrae, the vertebral body is the main part of each vertebra that supports weight, and the vertebral arch provides additional protection and attachment points for muscles and ligaments, but none of these form the complete enclosing structure that is essential for the protection of the spinal cord like the spinal canal does.