Central Nervous System

Definition

The central nervous system (CNS) is the primary information processing and control center of the body, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for integrating and coordinating the body's physiological processes, sensory inputs, and motor outputs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The brain, as the control center of the CNS, is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and memory formation.
2. The spinal cord, as the communication pathway of the CNS, transmits sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the body.
3. The CNS is protected by the skull (brain) and vertebral column (spinal cord), which provide physical protection and support.
4. Glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, play crucial supportive roles in the CNS by providing structural and metabolic support for neurons.
5. The CNS is the target of many neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.

Review Questions

• Describe the key functions of the central nervous system and how it integrates information from the body.
  • The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for the integration and coordination of the body's physiological processes, sensory inputs, and motor outputs. The brain, as the control center of the CNS, processes and interprets sensory information, makes decisions, and generates motor commands that are transmitted through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. This allows the CNS to integrate information from various sources, regulate homeostasis, and coordinate the body's responses to internal and external stimuli.
• Explain the role of glial cells in supporting the function of the central nervous system.
  • Glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, play crucial supportive roles in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support for neurons, regulating the extracellular environment and facilitating the uptake and recycling of neurotransmitters. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, a fatty substance that insulates neuronal axons, improving the speed and efficiency of signal transmission. These glial cells are essential for maintaining the optimal functioning of neurons within the CNS, allowing for the integration and processing of information.
• Analyze how the central nervous system is affected by neurological and psychiatric disorders, and discuss the importance of understanding these conditions.
  • The central nervous system (CNS) is the target of many neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. These conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and altered emotional and behavioral responses. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and effects of these disorders on the CNS is crucial for developing effective treatments and improving the quality of life for those affected. By studying the impact of neurological and psychiatric disorders on the central nervous system, researchers and clinicians can gain insights that inform the development of targeted therapies and interventions, ultimately enhancing our ability to address the complex challenges posed by these debilitating conditions.

Related terms

Peripheral Nervous System: The network of nerves that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body, allowing for the transmission of sensory information and motor commands.

Neuron: The fundamental unit of the nervous system, responsible for the transmission of electrical signals and the integration of information.

Neurotransmitter: Chemical messengers released at the synapses between neurons, facilitating the transmission of signals between cells in the nervous system.