Question

The _____________ protect the spinal cord.

Answer 1

The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column and the meninges, which include layers such as the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, along with cerebrospinal fluid and the blood-brain barrier.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vertebral column (also known as the spine) surrounds and protects the spinal cord, supporting the head and acting as an attachment point for ribs and muscles of the back and neck. Within the bones of the vertebrae are protective structures known as the meninges. These include the dura mater (the dural sheath), the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. Another important component is the blood-spinal cord barrier that controls the transfer of blood components from blood vessels associated with the spinal cord.

The meninges are a three-layer protective sheath that encases the brain and spinal cord. Between two of these meningeal layers, a thin layer of cerebrospinal fluid is maintained, which provides additional protection and cushioning. Besides the meninges, the chemical protection includes the blood-brain barrier, which isolates the brain and spinal cord from most toxins or pathogens in the blood.

Answer 2

This is what protects the spinal cord; The spinal cord (and brain) are protected by three layers of tissue or membranes called meninges, that surround the canal . The dura mater is the outermost layer, and it forms a tough protective coating. Between the dura mater and the surrounding bone of the vertebrae is a space called the epidural space.