Central Nervous System (CNS)
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. Structures of the CNS include:
Meninges are layered membranes located between the skull and vertebrae and soft tissue of the CNS and is composed of 3 layers
Dura Matter:
Arachnoid Matter:
Pia Matter:
The spinal cord is a slender nerve column that consists of 31 segments that pass from the brain into the vertebral canal. The spinal nerves it contains branch to various parts of the body and connect them to the CNS. It consists of gray matter (unmyelinated) and white matter (myelinated). The spinal cord functions to provide two-way communication between the brain and body parts ascending and descending. It is also the center for spinal reflexes.
There are four major portions of the brain: Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Brain stem, and Cerebellum.
To learn about these portions and different parts of the brain watch this video (Begin it at 3:18)
Meninges are layered membranes located between the skull and vertebrae and soft tissue of the CNS and is composed of 3 layers
Dura Matter:
- Outermost layer which is composed of fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves
- Attaches to the inside of the skull and surround the brain
- Extends into vertebral column around the spinal cord
Arachnoid Matter:
- Thin, web-like middle layer
- Subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and pia matter contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Pia Matter:
- Very thin innermost layer
- Hugs the contours of the brain and spinal cord
- Contains many nerves and blood vessels that nourish the underlying tissue
The spinal cord is a slender nerve column that consists of 31 segments that pass from the brain into the vertebral canal. The spinal nerves it contains branch to various parts of the body and connect them to the CNS. It consists of gray matter (unmyelinated) and white matter (myelinated). The spinal cord functions to provide two-way communication between the brain and body parts ascending and descending. It is also the center for spinal reflexes.
There are four major portions of the brain: Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Brain stem, and Cerebellum.
To learn about these portions and different parts of the brain watch this video (Begin it at 3:18)