Central Nervous System

The central nervous system plays a primary role in receiving information from various areas of the body and then coordinating this activity to produce the body's responses.

The central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of the brain and spinal cord.

The brain controls many of the body's functions including sensation, thought, movement, awareness, and memory.

The surface of the brain is known as the cerebral cortex.

The largest part of the brain is known as the cerebrum and is responsible for things such as memory, speech, voluntary behaviors, and thought.

The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres, a right hemisphere, and a left hemisphere.

The brain's right hemisphere controls movements on the body's left side, while the left hemisphere controls movements on the body's right side.

Each hemisphere of the brain is then divided into four interconnected lobes:

Frontal lobes are associated with higher cognition, voluntary movements, and language

Parietal lobes are associated with processing sensory information.

Occipital Lobes: are associated with interpreting visual stimuli and information.

Temporal lobes are associated with hearing and interpreting sounds as well as the formation of memories.

The cerebellum is the area at the back and bottom of the brain, behind the brainstem.

The cerebellum has several functions relating to movement and coordination, including:

Maintaining balance: The cerebellum has special sensors that detect shifts in balance and movement. It sends signals for the body to adjust and move.

Coordinating movement: Most body movements require the coordination of multiple muscle groups. The cerebellum times muscle actions so that the body can move smoothly.

Vision: The cerebellum coordinates eye movements

Motor learning: The cerebellum helps the body to learn movements that require practice and fine-tuning.

The brainstem (brain stem) is the distal part of the brain that is made up of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Each of the three components has its own unique structure and function.

Together, they help to regulate breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and several other important functions.

The spinal cord connects to the brain via the brain stem and then runs down through the spinal canal, located inside the vertebra.

The spinal cord carries information from various parts of the body to and from the brain.

In the case of some reflex movements, responses are controlled by spinal pathways without involvement from the brain.