Question

What is the function of the filum terminale?

1) To tether the spinal cord to the bottom of the vertebral column
2) To protect the spinal cord from injury
3) To provide blood supply to the spinal cord
4) To transmit nerve signals to the brain

Answer 1

The filum terminale serves to anchor the spinal cord to the bottom of the vertebral column, making option 1 the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the filum terminale is to tether the spinal cord to the bottom of the vertebral column. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option 1) To tether the spinal cord to the bottom of the vertebral column. The filum terminale is a slender filament of connective tissue that extends from the apex of the conus medullaris, the tapered end of the spinal cord, down to the coccyx. This fibrous extension acts as an anchor, securing the spinal cord in place within the vertebral column and preventing excessive movement that could lead to damage.