A&P of the Central Nervous System

Central Nervous System

The A&P of the CNS

Look at the structure of the brain and spinal cord. Then select each part to identify it's function.

Brain

Spinal Cord

The Cerebral Cortex

Learn about the basic structure of the cerebral cortex and its four lobes in the following video.

The A&p of the brain

Look at the structure of the brain including it's parts. Then select each part to identify it's function.

Cerebrum

Image from BodyParts3D, Copyright 2010 The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution-Share Alike 2.1 Japan.

The Parts of Neurons

Watch! This video guides you through the structure and function of neurons, glial cells, the myelin sheath and more. You'll also gain valuable insight to an incurable disease associated with myelin.

Types of neurons

Look at the structure of the brain including it's parts. Then select each part to identify it's function.

The End!

The A&P of the Brain

The brain is a three-pound organ made up of billions of neurons (nerve cells). These neurons communicate through trillions of connections called synapses. The three main components of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The primary purpose of the brain is to control the human body and interpret the world around you. It's protected by your skull and houses your memories, emotions, and thoughts. And, the brain's storage capacity is considered virtually unlimited.

The A&P of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the cylindrical, bundle of nerves that runs through the center of your spine from your brainstem to your lower back. It's a major organ of the nervous system, and is no thicker than the human thumb. The primary purpose of the spinal cord is to carry nerve signals throughout your body, and it's protected by your vertebrae. If your spinal cord is injured, there are a number of functions you could lose (depending on where it's injured). Check out some of the functions of each in the visual to the left.