Central
Central Nervous System[edit | edit source]
The central nervous system (CNS) is a fundamental part of the nervous system in humans and other vertebrates. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body and is crucial for coordinating bodily functions.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Brain[edit | edit source]
The brain is the control center of the CNS and is located within the cranial cavity. It is divided into several major parts:
- Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, action, and emotion.
- Cerebellum: Located under the cerebrum, it is involved in coordination of movement and balance.
- Brainstem: Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
Spinal Cord[edit | edit source]
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure that extends from the brainstem down through the vertebral column. It is responsible for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Function[edit | edit source]
The CNS processes sensory information received from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and coordinates the body's response. It is involved in:
- Sensory processing: Interpreting signals from sensory organs.
- Motor control: Initiating and regulating movement.
- Cognitive functions: Including memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Homeostasis: Maintaining internal stability in the body.
Disorders[edit | edit source]
Disorders of the CNS can have significant impacts on health and quality of life. Some common CNS disorders include:
- Multiple sclerosis: A disease where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers.
- Parkinson's disease: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement.
- Alzheimer's disease: A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
Research and Advances[edit | edit source]
Research in the field of CNS is ongoing, with advances in understanding the molecular and genetic basis of CNS disorders. New treatments and therapies are being developed to improve outcomes for patients with CNS conditions.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
