Final answer:
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissues that extends from the brain stem and continues down the center of the back to the pelvis. It is enclosed within the vertebral column.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissues that extends from the brain stem and continues down the center of the back to the pelvis. It is highlighted in yellow in Figure 11.5.7. The spinal cord is enclosed within but is shorter than, the vertebral column.