![]() ![]() The cerebrum is the most significant part of the brain and is lined by a deeply folded layer of nerve tissue called the cerebral cortex. Additionally, the medulla maintains reflective activities such as sneezing, vomiting, coughing, and swallowing. This region of the brainstem regulates breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The medulla is located at the bottom of the brainstem where the brain and spinal cord meet. Some of the different functions regulated by the pons include facial movements, hearing, breathing, and balance. The pons is the starting location for four of the 12 cranial nerves. Notably, the substantia nigra, rich in dopamine neurons, is located within the midbrain and is often affected by Parkinson's disease. The midbrain, otherwise known as the mesencephalon, is crucial for regulating eye movements, emotions, hearing, and long-term memory. The brainstem can be further subdivided into the midbrain, pons, and medulla. This region regulates essential functions such as b lood pressure, breathing, heart rhythms, and swallowing. The brainstem, located in the middle of the brain, is the stalk-like part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and is only about one inch long. Image Credit: ShadeDesign / The brainstem Gray matter typically processes and interprets information, whereas white matter transmits information to other areas of the nervous system. Conversely, white matter, which is lighter in color and comprises the inner portion of the brain, is primarily made up of axons, the long stems that connect neurons. Gray matter, which is darker in color and surrounds white matter, consists of neuron somas, and round central cell bodies. The brain consists of both gray and white matter. Taken together, these different areas of the brain control thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, hunger, temperature, and all other processes that occur within the body. ![]() The brain can be divided into four distinct regions: the brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum, and diencephalon. The remaining 40% of the brain consists of protein, water, carbohydrates, and salts. On average, the brain weighs between 1.3 to 1.4 kg, with about 60% of the brain consisting of fat. The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord, whereas the PNS is made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The nervous system includes the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The proper functioning of these nerves ensures that each organ system, such as the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, can adequately communicate with one another. The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body. Introduction to the central nervous system (CNS) By Pooja Toshniwal Paharia Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. ![]()
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