The bony ring on each vertebra of the spinal column when stacked together form a continuous channel referred to as the spinal canal. This spinal canal contains the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, blood vessels fat and cerebrospinal fluid. The bony elements of the vertebral which surround the spinal canal help to protect the spinal cord and the rest of the contents within the spinal canal. The spinal cord runs through this canal to the level of the lower thoracic or upper lumbar region at which time, it tapers off.  The spinal cord is comprised of intricate network of countless nerves, which connect the brain with the nerves of the body.  The spinal cord serves to provide the channels with relay of information from the brain to the body, and from the body back to the brain.