Final answer:
The spinal cord is a communication link between body tissues and the brain, not the heart, liver, or intestinal tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spinal cord is a vital component of the nervous system that facilitates communication between the body and the brain. It connects to the brainstem and is encased within the vertebral column, capable of transmitting signals through the peripheral nervous system. The function of the spinal cord encompasses the relay of sensory information from the body to the brain and motor signals from the brain to the body. In contrast, the heart, liver, and intestinal tract do not directly serve as communication links like the spinal cord does. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question—The spinal cord is a communicating link between body tissues and the: a) Heart b) Liver c) Brain d) Intestinal tract—is c) Brain.