Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

What structure provides protection to the central nervous system?

1. Soft tissue

2. Bony encasement

3. Cartilage

4. Fluid-filled sac

The correct answer is: Bony encasement

The structure that provides protection to the central nervous system is bony encasement. This protective feature refers to the skull and the vertebral column, which encase and shield the brain and spinal cord, respectively. The bony structures are critical because they create a hard barrier that helps prevent physical damage from external forces, such as impacts or falls. While other options like soft tissue, cartilage, and fluid-filled sacs (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) offer various support and protective roles, they do not provide the same level of physical protection as the bony encasement does. Soft tissue surrounds and supports the structures but is not as robust as bone. Cartilage does provide cushioning in joints but does not play a primary role in protecting the central nervous system. The fluid-filled sac, primarily involved in providing cushioning and nourishment, also lacks the protective rigidity that the bony structures provide. Therefore, bony encasement is the most accurate choice for the protection of the central nervous system.