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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is correct concerning the spinal cord?
A
The spinal cord is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism.
B
The spinal cord is composed only of gray matter.
C
The spinal cord is located entirely within the cranial cavity.
D
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the spinal cord's role in the human body. The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that serves as a communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body. It is part of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord.
Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'The spinal cord is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism.' This is incorrect because hormone production related to metabolism is primarily the function of endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, not the spinal cord.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'The spinal cord is composed only of gray matter.' This is incorrect because the spinal cord contains both gray matter (which consists of neuron cell bodies) and white matter (which consists of myelinated axons for signal transmission).
Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'The spinal cord is located entirely within the cranial cavity.' This is incorrect because the spinal cord is located within the vertebral column, extending from the brainstem to the lower back, not within the cranial cavity.
Step 5: Evaluate the fourth statement: 'The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system.' This is correct because the spinal cord, along with the brain, forms the central nervous system, which is responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.