Neurosensory Institute
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The central nervous system (CNS) is the body's command center, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. It's responsible for processing information received from the body's sensory systems and coordinating bodily functions, including thoughts, movements, and senses.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Brain:
The brain is the control center, responsible for higher-level functions like thinking, learning, and memory.
It's divided into several key parts, including the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum, each with specific roles.
The cerebrum, the largest part, is responsible for conscious thought, movement, and sensory perception.
The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate.
The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance.
2. Spinal Cord:
The spinal cord acts as a communication pathway, transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
It extends from the base of the brain down the vertebral column.
The spinal cord is divided into segments, each connected to a specific region of the body by pairs of spinal nerves.
3. Protection:
Both the brain and spinal cord are protected by several layers of tissue.
The brain is encased in the skull, while the spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae of the spine.
Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing further protection from impact.
4. Function:
The CNS receives sensory information from the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
It integrates this information and generates appropriate responses, which are then transmitted back to the body.
This allows for conscious and unconscious control of bodily functions, including movement, sensation, and thought processes.
Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements controlled by the brainstem that are present at birth and help infants with basic survival functions. These reflexes are typically integrated (meaning they fade away) as a child's nervous system matures and are replaced by more voluntary, purposeful movements. However, if primitive reflexes persist beyond the expected age, they can interfere with motor development, learning, and behavior
