Central Nervous System (CNS): Parts, Functions And Diseases
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is responsible for controlling both voluntary and involuntary acts This encompasses not only physical expressions, but also what refers to acts of thought.
Thanks to this system we are able to respond in different ways to the ever-changing stimuli that our body receives, as well as coordinate the different physiological processes that keep us alive.
In this article we will review What are the parts of the Central Nervous System (CNS)? we will also see how they are classified, and the functions they perform in the human body, as well as some of the most common pathologies associated with these structures.
The Central Nervous System is made up of two structures that are essential not only for the correct functioning of the organism, but for its life. These structures are the cerebrum (understood as the brain, not just the cerebral cortex) and the spinal cord The first structure is inside the skull and includes parts such as the cerebellum, the cerebral cortex, the diencephalon, and other elements essential for our survival. For its part, the spinal cord projects along the vertebral column, and communicates the brain and the nerves of the Peripheral Nervous System, which are not contained in bone pieces and run throughout the body.
Now let’s see what aspects each of these components are responsible for individually, and how they in turn interconnect so that our body reacts to any perceptible stimulus.
Brain
This organ is without a doubt the most complex in the human body in terms of its level of functioning. According to research in the field of neuroscience, the human brain It is made up of approximately 100 billion neurons, which interact with each other establishing an immeasurable number of connections. On the other hand, most of the nerve cells in the brain are not neurons, but glial cells.
It is estimated that the brain consumes approximately 20% of all the oxygen we breathe. Its weight barely represents a minimum of 2% of the total weight of an average human being.
Now let’s see what are the parts that make up the brain structure of human beings. First of all we have the so-called brain lobes, which fulfill different functions. These lobes of the brain are located in the cerebral cortex, which is composed mainly of gray matter, that is, areas in which there is a high concentration of neuronal somata.
The cortex is in charge of the most complex and abstract functions, such as imagination and thinking, while the more primitive structures located below, such as the limbic system and the brain stem, are in charge of the most basic needs of the species; feeding, sexual reproduction, etc.
1. Frontal lobe
It is responsible for the higher functions of human consciousness, making it one of the most important parts of the Central Nervous System. It is responsible for the rational part and the voluntary movements of the person. It is located in the forehead area.
It is in charge of memory, hearing, and language It is located behind the ears.
3. Parietal lobe
It has to do with the perception of sensory stimuli coming from the environment, and also with the balance of the subject. It is located in the upper area of the head.
4. Occipital lobe
This lobe is the person in charge of receiving visual information and interpreting it It is located at the back of the head, a little above the nape of the neck, and is small compared to the rest of the brain lobes.
Spinal cord
This other part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of a series of branches, which originate in the brain stem and descend along the spinal column ; These nerve projections are organized as a relatively rectilinear column (along the spine), so that together they form something similar to a rope.
The main function of the medulla is connect the brain with the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), both afferent and efferent. This means that the brain can, through the spinal cord, send signals to the muscles located in the periphery through the nerves, and at the same time the external stimuli perceived from the periphery reach the brain.
Apart from these afferent and efferent functions, the spinal cord gives us the ability to react involuntarily to some stimuli. thanks to the reflections For example, when you accidentally touch something that is too hot, you involuntarily and quickly remove your hand from that object.
In summary, this structure takes care of the mobility of all the muscles necessary for us to perform any activity; The brain intervenes only to start and stop said activity, or when something unforeseen arises in the performance of said activity.
Taking into consideration that it is an extensive system, as could be seen, the pathologies that they can present are equally extensive. Now we will see some of the most common ones.
1. Stroke
It is a failure in the blood supply to the brain This is interrupted for some reason, and therefore the neurons begin to die.
2. Trauma
A bad blow to the head area could cause brain trauma that specifically affects a lobe or another part of the brain and generate multiple complications.
3. Infections
Viruses that have the ability to reach the Central Nervous System (CNS) represent a source of complications for its functioning, giving rise to pathologies such as meningitis or encephalitis.
4. Neurodegenerative diseases
Severe pathologies such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease They cause a lot of damage to many parts of the Central Nervous System.
