Central Nervous System (CNS)

Definition

The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. It integrates information it receives from, and coordinates and influences the activity of, all parts of the body.

Analogy

Think of the CNS as a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit). Just like how a CPU processes information and controls other parts of your computer, your CNS processes sensory data and controls all bodily functions.

Related terms

Peripheral Nervous System: This is the part of the nervous system outside the CNS. It connects your brain and spinal cord to other areas of your body, like a network cable connecting your CPU to other devices.

Neurons: These are nerve cells that transmit signals throughout your body. They're like tiny messengers or data packets carrying instructions from your 'CPU' (CNS) to different parts of your 'computer' (body).

Synapse: This is where two neurons meet and exchange information - kind of like an email exchange between two people.