What does the backbone surround and protect in a vertebrae?

The backbone, also known as the vertebral column or spine, surrounds and protects the spinal cord in vertebrates. The spinal cord is a long, thin, cylindrical bundle of nervous tissue that runs from the brain down the back. It is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The backbone is made up of a series of small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other and held together by ligaments and muscles. They form a protective canal around the spinal cord. The backbone also provides support for the body and helps to maintain balance.