Final answer:
The vertebral cavity, part of the dorsal cavity, contains the spinal cord and is lined by the vertebral column. It is filled with cerebrospinal fluid for protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vertebral cavity, which is part of the larger dorsal cavity in vertebrate animals, is responsible for enclosing and protecting the spinal cord. This cavity is continuous with the cranial cavity, which houses the brain. Together, these cavities make up the posterior or dorsal part of the body. The vertebral cavity is a long, narrow cavity that runs the length of the trunk inside the vertebral column. It is lined and protected by the bones of the vertebral column and contains cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the spinal cord.