The Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is one of the three components of the nervous system. It consists of the Brain and the spinal cord and contains millions of nerve cells or neurons.

Components of the Central Nervous System

The Brain

One can think of the brain as the main computer in our bodies that controls all bodily functions. When a message comes into the brain through the nerves from any part of the body, the brain will send a message back telling the body how to react.

For example, if you accidentally touch a hot iron rod, the nerves in your hands will send a pain message to your brain. The brain will send a message back to the muscles in your hands telling the hand to pull away.

The brain weighs about three pounds and is stored within the skull. It consists of:

• Brain matter,
• Cerebrum,
• Mid brain,
• Pons,
• Medulla Oblongata,
• Thalamus, and
• Hypothalamus

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerve tissue that is about 18 inches long and three quarter inch thick. It is the main highway for nerve cells in your body and will extend from the lower part of the brain down through the spine. Along the way, nerves will branch out to other parts of the body.

Meninges

Meninges are the three membranes that envelop the brain and the spinal cord. They offer protection to the brain and the spinal cord and acts as a barrier against bacteria. They are composed of the dura mater, the arachnoid and the pia mater.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

This is also known as the CSF and protects the brain against injury. The CSF circulates through the area between the arachnoid and the pia mater, around the brain and spinal cord and through the ventricles of the brain. This fluid also nourishes the central nervous system and carries off waste.
Conditions Affecting the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system and especially the brain, controls just about everything in the body. It is because of this that if anything goes wrong, it can often be serious and affects other part of the body.

Most inherited or genetic diseases are in this system and will affect the way the brain works and upset the daily activities of the rest of the body. Some of the conditions that can affect the central nervous system include:

• Epilepsy,
• Cerebral Palsy,
• Brain tumors,
• Migraines,
• Meningitis and encephalitis, and
• Mental illness

Head and spinal injuries can become not only life threatening but also make life difficult.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page