Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and coordinating information from the senses, controlling movements, and carrying out complex cognitive functions. Understanding the central nervous system is important for understanding how the body and mind work together.

Brain

The brain is the control center of the central nervous system. It is responsible for processing and interpreting sensory information, initiating movements, and coordinating cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and memory. The brain is made up of different regions, each responsible for specific functions.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the brain. It serves as a pathway for signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord also coordinates simple reflexes, such as the knee-jerk reflex, without the involvement of the brain.

Study Guide

1. What are the two main components of the central nervous system?
2. What is the function of the brain in the central nervous system?
3. How does the spinal cord contribute to the central nervous system?
4. What are some examples of cognitive functions controlled by the brain?
5. How does the spinal cord coordinate reflexes?