CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

1. Brain:
   • Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for voluntary actions, speech, senses, thought, and memory.
   • Cerebellum: Located under the cerebrum, it coordinates muscle movements and maintains posture and balance.
   • Brainstem: Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
2. z
   • Acts as a conduit for signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
   • It is also responsible for reflexes, which are automatic responses to stimuli.
3. Functions:
   • Sensory Input: Receives sensory information from the external environment and internal body conditions.
   • Integration: Processes and interprets sensory input, deciding what action, if any, is needed.
   • Motor Output: Sends instructions to muscles and glands to produce responses.
4. Protection:
   • Skull and Vertebrae: The brain is protected by the skull, and the spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae.
   • Meninges: Three layers of protective tissue (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater) cover the brain and spinal cord.
   • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing mechanical protection and chemical stability.
5. Neurotransmitters and Synapses:
   • Neurons in the CNS communicate through synapses, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons.

The CNS is integral to the overall functioning of the body and is involved in both voluntary actions (like moving a limb) and involuntary actions (like breathing). Damage to the CNS can lead to significant impairments and is often the focus of medical and scientific research to find treatments for various neurological disorders.