Central nervous system

The central nervous system comprises the brain and the spinal cord, protected by the skull and the spine's bones. It regulates all bodily functions, serving as the body's control system.

The brain

The brain consists of:

• Cerebrum (large brain)
• Cerebellum (small brain)
• Brainstem

The cerebrum

The cerebrum consists of two halves, the left and right hemisphere. They process signals from the body and the environment and control voluntary movements. Additionally, the cerebrum is responsible for cognitive and emotional processes.

The cerebellum

The cerebellum is responsible for controlling voluntary movements. Movements are initiated in the cerebrum, while the cerebellum coordinates these movements.

If the cerebellum is damaged, it can lead to jerky movements and balance problems. This is also evident with excessive alcohol consumption, as the cerebellum is the first structure affected by alcohol.

The brainstem (truncus cerebri)

The brainstem regulates vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature. Damage to the brainstem is life-threatening. If the brainstem ceases to function while the cerebrum and cerebellum are still active, a person is considered brain dead. In conditions like coma and unconsciousness, the brainstem continues to function.

The spinal cord

The spinal cord is like a tube of nerves extending from the brain down the spine. Not all nerves enter the spinal cord; the 12 pairs of cranial nerves go directly to areas in the head and neck.

Function

The central nervous system has three functions:

• It serves as the reception center for all information gathered by the senses.
• It processes the received information and stores it in memory.
• It controls muscles and organs in the body.