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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the spinal cord within the central nervous system?
A
It produces cerebrospinal fluid for the brain.
B
It regulates hormone secretion from endocrine glands.
C
It transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body.
D
It is responsible for conscious thought and memory storage.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of the spinal cord within the central nervous system (CNS). The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure made of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem down the vertebral column. Its primary function is to act as a communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body.
Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options by analyzing their relevance to the spinal cord's function. For example, the spinal cord does not produce cerebrospinal fluid; this is primarily the role of the choroid plexus in the brain's ventricles.
Step 3: Consider the option about hormone secretion. Hormone regulation is primarily controlled by the endocrine system, including glands like the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands, not the spinal cord.
Step 4: Evaluate the option about conscious thought and memory storage. These functions are associated with the brain, particularly the cerebral cortex, not the spinal cord.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer: The spinal cord's primary function is to transmit sensory and motor information between the brain and the rest of the body, enabling communication and coordination of bodily functions.