Question

Which structure allows the spinal nerves to exit from the spinal cord?

Answer 1

The spinal nerves exit from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramen, with 31 pairs of spinal nerves arranged methodically from cervical to coccygeal regions. They are a combination of sensory and motor axons that enter and exit through the dorsal and ventral nerve roots respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure that allows the spinal nerves to exit from the spinal cord is known as the intervertebral foramen. Each spinal nerve emerges from the vertebral column through this opening at its designated level, named according to the spinal cord section they are associated with. There are in total 31 pairs of spinal nerves, including eight cervical, twelve thoracic, five lumbar, five sacral, and one coccygeal pair. For instance, the first nerve, C1, emerges between the first cervical vertebra and the occipital bone, with subsequent ones following in an orderly manner. The sensory axons enter the spinal cord through the dorsal nerve root, and the motor axons emerge from the spinal cord through the ventral nerve root along with the association of the dorsal root ganglion.

Answer 2

Intervertebral foramen

Step-by-step explanation:

These structures are found in between pairs of vertebrae and not only do spinal nerves pass through them, the spinal artery, veins, and transforaminal ligaments do too. While the spinal cord passes through the vertebral foramen, the spinal nerves exit and enter the spine through these intervertebral foramen to 'serve' the rest of the body.