Question

Know the major components of the CNS, and the general functions of each, featuring the forebrain (and all its subdivisions) and spinal cord. Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Together,the brain and the spinal cord are known as the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Brain- Brain is the body's control centre.It constantly receives and interprets nerve signals from the body and sends new signals based on this information.Different part of the brain control movement,speech, emotions, consciousness and internal body function such as heart rate, breathing and body temperature.

Forebrain- The largest region of the brain is the forebrain (derived from the developmental prosencephalon) which contains the entire Cerebrum and several structures directly nestled within it - the thalamus, hypothalamus,pineal gland and limbic system.

Spinal cord- The spine is made up of 26 bones divided into five sections.These bones surround and protect the spinal cord , include 24 vertebrae (Cervical,thoracic,lumbar), the sacrum and coccyx.

Spinal cord is a thick column of nerves surrounded by vertebrae that runs from the brain stem to the lumbar region of the spine. Like the brain,it has both grey and white matter.

The spinal cord sends information between the brain and most of the body through the spinal nerves.