The Neural Arch _______

Question

The neural arch _______.
A) is the body of a vertebra
B) contains the spinal cord
C) is the posterior, curved region of a vertebra
D) is protected by an intervertebral disk

Accepted Answer

The neural arch is the posterior, curved region of a vertebra that surrounds and protects the spinal cord. It is formed by the fusion of two pedicles and two laminae, and together with the vertebral body, it forms the vertebral foramen through which the spinal cord passes. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because the body of a vertebra is the anterior portion that supports weight and connects adjacent vertebrae. Option B is incorrect because while the spinal cord passes through the vertebral foramen within the neural arch, the neural arch itself does not contain the spinal cord. Option D is incorrect because the intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between adjacent vertebral bodies and do not directly protect the neural arch.