Central Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord form a continuous communication system of the CNS. The CNS
has several unique features.
● CNS neurons have some properties that differ from PNS neurons in that, for
example, they do not show similar properties of regeneration.
● Second, you can recognize the importance of the CNS by the extra protection the
body provides.
● Structurally, it is located within the bony cavities of the skull and spine.
● Coverings called the meninges protect it,and it is surrounded by and floats in the
protective CSF(cerebrospinal fluid).
● The CNS, and especially the brain, is the most well-nourished area of the body, being
supplied with an intricate system of arteries designed with “backup” systems.
● The body gives it priority in receiving nutrients and oxygen, and at the same time,
gives it more protection, through the blood–brain barrier, from potentially harmful
substances circulating in the body.

BRAIN
The brain is the most well nourished area of the body which is being supplied with an
intricate system of arteries designed with "backup" systems.The body gives it priority in
receiving nutrients and oxygen and at the same time gives it more protection, through the
blood-brain barrier,from potentially harmful substances circulating in the body.

Anatomy
● Anatomically, the brain is continuous with the spinal cord, from which it emerges.
● From an exterior view, the brain appears to be one organ with a left and a right
hemisphere.
● It actually consists of several divisions with many identifiable structures.
● The brain is organized into subsystems that ultimately result in human behaviour.
● The brain occupies a relatively small space of about 1000 to 1500cm³,roughly the
size of cantaloupe.

Protection and Sustenance of the Brain

The body affords extra protection and sustenance to the CNS because of its special status.
The structural and physiologic protections extend to the spinal cord and the brain, although
the focus is on the brain. Structurally,
bone provides a type of “armor” to surround both the brain and spinal cord. In most cases,
the skull holds the brain snugly and physically protects it from the gelatinous brain may
accelerate and scrape against the bony projections of the skull.
● Meninges :- Under the hard protection of bone, protective membranes called
meninges form a flexible structural but semipermeable protective pad that completely
surrounds the brain and spinal cord.The covering of the meninges forms another
layer of protection. However, certain types of tumors called meningiomas may form
here and impact the brain.
● Cerebrospinal fluid :-The CSF circulates around and throughout the CNS via the
ventricular system, which provides not only an additional structural fluid cushion but
 also physiologic protection through its immunologic functions and its ability to act as
a “waste disposal” system.
● Vascular system :- The unique vascular system of the brain not only supplies
nutrients to the energy demanding brain but also adds a layer of protection through
the blood–brain barrier. The blood–brain barrier is formed by tightly formed
endothelial cells in the walls of the capillaries of the brain, held in place by astrocytes
that prevent the passage of certain substances into the brain.

Principal Divisions of the Brain

The brain can be subdivided into three major divisions based on the development of the
human embryo. As the embryo’s neural tube closes, it begins to differentiate into three
bulges:-
● Forebrain :- The topmost becomes the forebrain (prosencephalon)
● Midbrain :- The middle is the midbrain(mesencephalon) and
● Hindbrain :- The third is the hindbrain (rhombencephalon).
The remainder of the neural tube develops into the spinal cord. The three major subdivisions
of the brain further differentiate into five subdivisions:
● Telencephalon,
● Diencephalon,
● Mesencephalon,
● Metencephalon, and
● Myelencephalon.