What are the main components of the central nervous system?

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain, located in the cranial cavity, and the spinal cord, found in the vertebral canal. These structures work together to process information and control bodily functions.

How does grey matter differ from white matter in the brain and spinal cord?

Grey matter contains nerve cell bodies and dendrites, while white matter is made up of myelinated nerve fibers. In the brain, grey matter is peripheral and white matter central, but in the spinal cord, it's reversed: grey matter is central and white matter peripheral.

What are the primary functions of the central nervous system?

The CNS receives and integrates sensory information from inside and outside the body. It then produces appropriate motor responses based on this input, coordinating actions and maintaining homeostasis.

What are the major parts of the adult brain?

The adult brain has six major parts: cerebrum, diencephalon, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum. These structures vary in size and function, with the cerebrum being the largest.

How is the brain developmentally divided?

During development, the brain is divided into three main parts: forebrain (including cerebrum and diencephalon), midbrain (a small connecting region), and hindbrain (comprising pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum). This division originates from the neural tube.

What cavities are found within the different parts of the brain?

Brain cavities correspond to specific regions: cerebrum has lateral ventricles, diencephalon has the third ventricle, midbrain has the cerebral aqueduct, and hindbrain has the fourth ventricle. These cavities are remnants of the neural tube's hollow structure.

Brain Overview – Cerebrum, Cerebellum & Brainstem