What Does Central Nervous System Mean
We explain what the central nervous system is, what neurons are and what their functions are. How is its structure and diseases.
What is the central nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS) is a structure that is made up of the brain, (which is the part of the central nervous system located in the skull) and the spinal cord (located within and along the entire spinal column).
The central nervous system is responsible for the organization of the apparatus ( respiratory , digestive , etc.). This system has the function of coordinating, integrating and controlling the organism . It is also responsible for the reception of stimuli that can come both from the outside and from the organs of the same organism. Subsequently, the central nervous system is responsible for processing this information and preparing responses respectively.
The SNC is organized by hierarchies. Each hierarchy controls those below it and this, in turn, is controlled by the higher hierarchy.
The information received by the central nervous system is processed by cells called neurons.
See also: Locomotor apparatus
Neurons
Neurons are shaped differently from traditional cells. Neurons are made up of a soma or body . This soma has a rounded shape and is covered with hairs that are called dendrites.
Dendrites are nerve centers that receive information from other neurons. Through the excitability of neurons, it is possible for information to be transferred from one neuron to another neuron.
An axon emerges from the soma, a very long and thin connection that allows information to travel through it and connect with other neurons. Thus, the information leaves the axon and reaches the dendrites of another neuron, which receives this information, processes it in its soma and sends the information received through its axon to the dendrites of another neuron.
In this way, neurons connect with each other and allow information to travel from one part of the body to another.
The distinctive characteristic of neurons is that information travels extremely quickly, through nerve impulses thanks to the myelin that exists and covers the axon.
Follow on: Neuron
Structure of the central nervous system
As we have said above, the central nervous system is subdivided into two parts: one that is inside the skull and the other inside the spinal column. The first is called the brain and the second, the spinal cord.
Structure of the brain. In humans and vertebrates, the brain is divided into:
- Anterior brain. It is also called a prosencephalon.
- Middle brain. It is also called the midbrain and is the upper structure of the brain stem.
- Posterior brain. It is also known as the rhombencephalon and is located in the upper part of the spinal cord. In turn, this can be subdivided into three parts:
- Bulb
- Annular protuberance
- C erebelo
Structure of the spinal cord. As we have said before, the spinal cord is located within the spinal column. This area is known as the spinal canal or spinal canal.
The spinal cord has the function of carrying nerve impulses to the spinal or spinal nerves, that is, its function is to communicate certain information to the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Central nervous system functions
The functions of the CNS are classified into conscious and unconscious functions.
- Conscious functions. These functions are carried out in the cerebral cortex. Some of these functions are: ideas, thoughts , memories, emotions, body movement , among others.
- Unconscious functions. Unconscious functions are carried out in the hypothalamus. Some of these are sleep, wakefulness, the functioning of organs such as the heart, functions such as eating, drinking, etc.
- Brain functions. The highest level in the central nervous system is that found in the cerebral cortex. Higher functions such as conscious perception , memory , reasoning are organized in the cortex . Below this, are the cerebellum and basal ganglia, these are responsible for controlling movement consciously. Below this is the brain stem whose function is to maintain balance, control pressure in the body, perform automatic movements such as breathing or heartbeat, chewing, among others. Below these functions is the most basic level, which is that of the spinal cord. .
- Functions of the spinal cord. Strictly the spinal cord has two functions; the afferent function and the efferent function:
- Afferent function. Its function is to transmit the sensations of the trunk, neck and four limbs to the brain.
- Efferent function. They are the orders that come from the brain to the different organs indicating that they carry out a certain action.
Central nervous system diseases
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Mononeuropathy
- Monoplegia, hemiplegia and tetraplegia
- Neuralgia
- Diabetic neuropathies.
- Polyneuropathy
- Cloistered syndrome
- Guillain Barre syndrome
- Trauma
- Tumors