Final answer:
The brain and spinal cord are connected through the foramen magnum, a large opening in the occipital bone at the base of the skull.
Step-by-step explanation:
The brain and spinal cord are connected through a large opening at the base of the skull called the foramen magnum. This large opening is located in the occipital bone of the skull and allows for the passage of the spinal cord as it emerges and the vertebral arteries as they enter the cranium. Moreover, the foramen magnum's anatomical purpose is crucial for connecting the central nervous system with the rest of the body, serving as a conduit for vital blood vessels and nerves.