Central Nervous System
The Central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is protected by the skull (the cranial cavity) and therefore the spinal cord travels from the back of the brain, down the centre of the spine, stopping within the lumbar region of the lower back. Most systems and organs of the body control only one function, but the central nervous system does many jobs at the same time. It controls all voluntary movement, like speech and walking, and involuntary movements, like blinking and breathing. It’s also the core of our thoughts, perceptions, and emotions. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is made up of nerves that branch off from the medulla spinal is and extend to all parts of the body. The CNS has three main components: the brain, the spinal cord, and therefore the neurons (or nerve cells).
The four main functions of the nervous system are:
- Control of body's internal environment to take care of 'homeostasis' an example of this is the regulation of body temperature.
- Programming of medulla spinal is reflexes.
- An example of this is often the stretch reflex.
- Memory and learning.
- Voluntary control of movement.