THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:
- The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain plays a central role in the control of most bodily functions, including awareness, movements, sensations, thoughts, speech, and memory. Some reflex movements can occur via spinal cord pathways without the participation of brain structures.
- The spinal cord is connected to a section of the brain called the brainstem and runs through the spinal canal. Cranial nerves exit the brainstem.
- Nerve roots exit the spinal cord to both sides of the body.
- The spinal cord carries signals (messages) back and forth between the brain and the peripheral nerves.