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 and maintain bodily functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The brain, as the control center of the CNS, is responsible for processing sensory information, coordinating motor functions, and regulating autonomic processes like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
2. The spinal cord, as the other component of the CNS, acts as a conduit for information transmission between the brain and the rest of the body, as well as coordinates reflex responses.
3. The CNS is protected by the skull (for the brain) and the vertebral column (for the spinal cord), as well as by the meninges, a series of membranes that surround and protect the nervous tissue.
4. The CNS is composed of gray matter, which contains the cell bodies of neurons, and white matter, which is made up of myelinated axons that facilitate rapid communication between different regions of the nervous system.
5. The CNS is responsible for integrating and interpreting information from the peripheral nervous system, allowing for the coordination of complex behaviors and the maintenance of homeostasis.

Review Questions

• Explain the primary functions of the central nervous system and how it interacts with the peripheral nervous system.
  • The central nervous system (CNS) serves as the control center of the body, responsible for processing sensory information, coordinating motor functions, and regulating autonomic processes. The brain, as the command center of the CNS, receives and interprets sensory inputs from the peripheral nervous system, and then sends motor commands back to the body to elicit the appropriate responses. This integration and coordination of information between the CNS and the peripheral nervous system allows for the complex behaviors and homeostatic regulation necessary for survival and adaptation.
• Describe the anatomical structure and organization of the central nervous system, and explain how this structure supports its functional roles.
  • The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord, which are protected by the skull and vertebral column, respectively. The brain is divided into distinct regions, such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, each with specialized functions. The spinal cord acts as a conduit, transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. The nervous tissue of the CNS is organized into gray matter, containing the cell bodies of neurons, and white matter, composed of myelinated axons that facilitate rapid communication. This anatomical structure allows the CNS to effectively integrate, process, and coordinate the vast array of sensory, motor, and autonomic information necessary for the body's proper functioning.
• Analyze the role of glial cells in supporting and enhancing the function of the central nervous system.
  • Glial cells, the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system, play a crucial supportive role in the central nervous system. These cells provide structural and metabolic support for neurons, ensuring their proper function. Specifically, oligodendrocytes in the CNS produce myelin, which insulates axons and enhances the speed of electrical impulse transmission. Astrocytes regulate the chemical environment of neurons, remove waste products, and participate in the formation of the blood-brain barrier. Microglia act as the immune cells of the CNS, responding to injury or disease and facilitating tissue repair. By fulfilling these essential functions, glial cells are vital in maintaining the integrity and optimal performance of the central nervous system.

Related terms

Peripheral Nervous System: The network of nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, transmitting sensory information and motor commands.

Neuron: The fundamental unit of the nervous system, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting electrical signals.

Glial Cells: Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection for neurons, as well as contribute to signaling and information processing.