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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the function of the spinal cord?
A
It filters waste products from the blood.
B
It pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body.
C
It produces hormones that regulate metabolism.
D
It transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body and coordinates reflexes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the spinal cord's anatomical location and its role within the central nervous system (CNS). The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that extends from the brainstem down through the vertebral column, protected by the vertebrae.
Step 2: Understand the primary function of the spinal cord. It serves as a communication highway, transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the body. This bidirectional flow of information is essential for voluntary and involuntary actions.
Step 3: Explore the spinal cord's role in reflexes. Reflexes are automatic, rapid responses to stimuli that do not require input from the brain. The spinal cord coordinates these reflexes by processing sensory input and generating motor output directly.
Step 4: Compare the spinal cord's function to the incorrect options provided in the question. Filtering waste products from the blood is the function of the kidneys, pumping oxygenated blood is the role of the heart, and producing hormones to regulate metabolism is the function of endocrine glands like the thyroid.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'It transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body and coordinates reflexes,' as this accurately describes the spinal cord's function within the nervous system.