Which structure adjoins the spinal cord?

Which structure adjoins the spinal cord?

• A. Thalamus
• B. Medulla Oblongata
• C. Pons
• D. Cerebellum

Answer: (B)

Direct continuation from the spinal cord into the brain occurs through the brainstem, and the medulla oblongata is its lowest portion, forming the direct boundary with the spinal cord at the foramen magnum. This makes the medulla oblongata the structure that adjoins the spinal cord. The thalamus sits higher up in the diencephalon, not in contact with the spinal cord. The pons is part of the brainstem but lies above the medulla. The cerebellum hangs posterior to the brainstem and does not directly touch the spinal cord.

Direct continuation from the spinal cord into the brain occurs through the brainstem, and the medulla oblongata is its lowest portion, forming the direct boundary with the spinal cord at the foramen magnum. This makes the medulla oblongata the structure that adjoins the spinal cord. The thalamus sits higher up in the diencephalon, not in contact with the spinal cord. The pons is part of the brainstem but lies above the medulla. The cerebellum hangs posterior to the brainstem and does not directly touch the spinal cord.