Central Nervous System

Definition

The central nervous system (CNS) is the primary control center of the body, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for integrating and coordinating information from the peripheral nervous system to regulate various bodily functions and behaviors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The brain is the command center of the central nervous system, responsible for processing sensory information, coordinating motor functions, and regulating cognitive processes.
2. The spinal cord acts as a conduit, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and also plays a role in reflex responses.
3. The central nervous system is protected by the skull (brain) and vertebral column (spinal cord), which form the bony structures of the central nervous system.
4. Glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, provide support and protection for neurons in the central nervous system.
5. Damage or dysfunction in the central nervous system can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Review Questions

• Describe the primary functions of the central nervous system and explain how it integrates information from the peripheral nervous system.
  • The central nervous system is responsible for the overall coordination and regulation of the body's functions. It receives, processes, and integrates sensory information from the peripheral nervous system, and then generates appropriate motor responses and controls various physiological processes. The brain, as the command center, analyzes the incoming information, makes decisions, and sends signals back through the spinal cord to the peripheral nervous system to coordinate the body's actions and maintain homeostasis.
• Discuss the role of the brain and spinal cord in the central nervous system, and explain how they work together to control and coordinate bodily functions.
  • The brain is the most complex and important part of the central nervous system, responsible for higher-order functions like cognition, memory, and emotion. It receives, processes, and interprets sensory information, and then generates appropriate motor commands and physiological responses. The spinal cord acts as a conduit, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also plays a role in reflex responses and basic motor functions. The brain and spinal cord work together to integrate information, coordinate movement, and regulate vital functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• Analyze the importance of the protective structures surrounding the central nervous system and explain how they contribute to the overall function and health of the nervous system.
  • The central nervous system is protected by the bony structures of the skull and vertebral column, which form a sturdy shield around the brain and spinal cord. This physical protection helps to prevent damage and maintain the integrity of the delicate neural tissues. Additionally, the central nervous system is surrounded by layers of membranes called meninges, which provide further cushioning and protection. The cerebrospinal fluid that circulates within the meninges also helps to absorb shock and regulate the chemical environment of the central nervous system. These protective structures are crucial for the proper functioning of the central nervous system, as damage or disruption can lead to serious neurological impairments.

Related terms

Peripheral Nervous System:

The network of nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, allowing for communication between the brain, spinal cord, and organs, muscles, and sensory receptors.

Neuron:

The basic functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

Myelin Sheath: A protective fatty layer that surrounds the axons of some neurons, increasing the speed of electrical impulse transmission.