CNS

Disposition, Parts and Functions….

NERVOUS SYSTEM..

The nervous system is a complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known as
neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the body.

COMPONENTS…
Structurally, nervous system has two components;

1. Central nervous system

2. Peripheral nervous system
 Central nervous system..

The CNS is the processing center of the body..

It consist of ;

● Brain
● Spinal cord

Both brain and spinal cord are covered with a system of membranes and are suspended
in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Composition of CNS..

The CNS is composed of large numbers of neurons, which are excitable nerve cells,
and their processes, known as axons or nerve fibers. Neurons are supported by
specialized tissue called neuroglia.

The CNS interior is organized into gray and white matter. Gray matter which is gray in
colour, consist of nerve cells embedded in neuroglia. White matter consist of nerve
fibers embedded in neuroglia and is white in colour because of the presence of lipid
material in nerve fiber myelin sheaths.
Major division of CNS
Division of spinal cord ..

➔ Cervical segments
➔ Thoracic segments
➔ Lumbar segments
➔ Sacral segments
➔ Coccygeal segments
 BRAIN …..
The brain lies in the central cavity and is continuous with the spinal cord through the
foramen magnum. It is surrounded by the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia
mater.

DIVISION;
The brain is conventionally divided into three major divisions;

1. Hindbrain
2. Midbrain
3. Forebrain
Explanation of Hindbrain..

The hindbrain also called rhombencephalon that is composed of

● Medulla oblongata
● Pons
● Cerebellum

The hindbrain coordinates function that are fundamental to survival, including

respiratory rhythm, motor activity, sleep and wakefulness.
Midbrain
The midbrain is the narrow part of the brain that connects the forebrain to the
hindbrain. The midbrain or mesencephalon is the forward most portion of brainstem.

Its functions associated with;

● Vision
● Hearing
● Motor control
● Sleep and wakefulness
● Arousal (alertness)
● Temperature regulation
Forebrain

The forebrain or prosencephalon is the largest part of brain. It comprises the

diencephalon (between the brain), which is the central part of the forebrain, and the
cerebrum.
It perform following functions;
● Control body temperature
● Reproductive functions
● Eating
● Sleeping
● Display of motions
● Formation of memory
SPINAL CORD..

The spinal cord is a thin, long, tubular structure made up of nervous tissues, which
extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the
vertebral column.

The spinal cord is situated within the vertebral canal of the vertebral column and is
surrounded by the three meninges. The dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia
mater.
FUNCTION: It is responsible for movement and sensation. It carries signals
between brain and the rest of body.