Final answer:
True, the spinal cord is housed within the vertebral canal of the vertebral column, providing protection as it runs from the brainstem to the lower back. The cerebrospinal fluid further protects the spinal cord and brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spinal cord is indeed housed within the vertebral canal, making the statement true. This canal is a bony passageway within the vertebral column, which is made up of individual vertebrae and their respective foramina. The vertebral canal provides protection for the spinal cord as it runs from the brainstem to the lower back. The spinal cord itself is a tubular bundle of nervous tissue that serves as a critical communication pathway between the body and the brain, carrying nerve impulses back and forth.
The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column, which consists of 26 bones: the 24 vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx. Each vertebral body has a hole (vertebral foramen) that allows for the passage of the spinal cord. It is crucial for the protection and normal functioning of the central nervous system.
In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid is the name of the fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord, found within the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. This fluid acts as a cushion, preventing injury to these delicate structures by absorbing shock and providing nutrients.