The central nervous system (CNS) (also: central nervous system) is primarily responsible for sending impulses and messages. Stimuli are received from the environment and transmitted to the brain. Stimuli emanate from the nerves so that the body, its muscles and organs can do their work.
What is the central nervous system?
The nervous system is defined as the totality of nervous tissue. Purely anatomically and topographically, the nervous system can be divided into two parts. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is defined as all nerve cells and nerve tracts that are not part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the important nervous structures in the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is protected in the brain by the bones of the skull, and the spinal cord is protected by the spinal column. The functions of the peripheral and central nervous systems are closely intertwined.
Anatomy and structure
The central nervous system must control important functions of the body and is therefore especially protected. The brain and spinal cord are each secured by three skins. These skins enclose a fluid called neural fluid. The additional cushion protects the nervous tissue of the CNS from possible damage. The tissue of the CNS does not have a uniform structure. The tissue is roughly divided into two different types, the white matter and the gray matter. The gray matter of the brain is located on the outside, whereas in the spinal cord it is located in the inner areas. It consists mainly of the cell bodies. In the white matter lie the processes of the nerve cells. These are the nerve tracts, the conduits, so to speak, that connect the nerve cells to each other.
Functions and tasks
The CNS is of vital importance to humans. This is where the central processing of stimuli coming from the environment takes place. All sensations, perceptions and signals are coordinated, integrated and also responded to in this area. This is the center that enables the human being to react specifically and consciously to stimuli or demands from the environment. This region of the human nervous system is also the seat of voluntary motor activity. Every consciously executed movement has its starting point here. The CNS is also responsible for thinking processes, both conscious and unconscious thinking. More precisely, the CNS exercises control over the overall coordination of the intricate details of posture and movement. The CNS is the seat of consciousness, of language and thought. Memory and each of its services is also located in this area. Last but not least, the regulation and coordination of all the organ systems of the body takes place here. Breathing, circulation of blood, all internal organs, muscles and sensory organs, and the peripheral nervous system are controlled here. The CNS can be called the control center of the human organism.
Diseases
As a result, a disease of this system has far-reaching consequences. If the CNS is damaged, in many cases the entire body is affected. The most common CNS diseases include epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, with about 40,000 new cases each year. During an epileptic seizure, many nerve cells discharge too quickly one after the other and even simultaneously. This can lead to clouding of consciousness. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the uncontrollable trembling, slow movements and stiffening of muscles. Science has identified the insufficient supply of the neurotransmitter dopamine to the brain as the cause. Everyone has depressive moods. However, if such states persist over a longer period of time, a serious illness can be assumed. Prolonged sadness without any real reason, lack of drive and energy characterize a depression, which not infrequently ends in suicide. Depression is being diagnosed with increasing frequency, as is Alzheimer’s disease. This exceedingly dreaded disease is defined as brain-organic. In this disease, nerve cells slowly die, as do the connections between cells. Researchers have found deposits of protein called plaques in sufferers, which are typical of Alzheimer’s patients. The everyday competence of those affected decreases more and more.The serious effects of a damaged CNS make it clear how important the central nervous system is to humans.
Typical and common diseases
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease
- Depression
