GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum at the base of the skull to the level of the first lumbar vertebra. The cord is continuous with the medulla oblongata at the foramen magnum. Like the brain, the spinal cord is surrounded by bone, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cranial nerve XI, or the accessory nerve, originates from the upper spinal cord and medulla and enters the skull through the foramen magnum.

Detailed explanation-3: -The spinal cord begins at the bottom of the brain stem (at the area called the medulla oblongata) and ends in the lower back, as it tapers to form a cone called the conus medullaris.

Detailed explanation-4: -A cervical vertebra. (Vertebral foramen is the large hole at the center.) The vertebral foramen begins at cervical vertebra #1 (C1 or atlas) and continues inferior to lumbar vertebra #5 (L5). The vertebral foramen houses the spinal cord and its meninges.