According to Cecie, the central nervous system’s function is to transmit information within the body. It is also important for response and coordination of body movements. Beverly reported that the central nervous system forms the major part of the nervous system. It comprises the brain and the spinal cord (Cecie, 109). The central nervous system is found in the dorsal cavity while the brain is found in the cranium. The spinal cord is located within the spinal cavity that runs from the cranium downwards. In chordates, the skull and the vertebrae found enclosed in the connective tissues protect the central nervous system (Starr, 283).
The central nervous system is at the heart of the nervous system. The peripheral nervous system forms a link between the two. The brain controls the information. It is made up of the forebrain, the brainstem, and the hindbrain. The forebrain (cerebrum) is involved in receiving, understanding, and executing correct information. Thalamus and hypothalamus assist the cerebrum with its function. The midbrain connects the cerebrum and the hindbrain and is responsible for visual perceptions (Beverly, 376). The medulla oblongata is found in the hindbrain and runs from the spinal cord dorsally. However, its function is the coordination of movement, pulse rate, and maintenance of body stability.
The spinal cord consists of groups of nerve fibers linked to the brain and is protected by the spinal column. Through ascending, nerve tracts in the spinal cord the brain receives stimuli from the body organs and dispatches through descending nerve tracts motor function information to various body organs (Starr, 365).
The neurons are the fundamental components of the nervous system. They enable nerves processes due to the presence of axons and dendrites. Axons conduct signals to various areas while the dendrites transmit signals to the cell body.
Paralysis is a disorder of the nervous system that affects motor function. It is as a result of spasticity of the nervous system muscles that makes the muscles weak. However, paralysis leads to poor functioning of other body organs because of disruption of the nerves found on these organs. Patients with paralysis experience either high sensitivity or no pain especially where it affects the sensory nerve cells.
Works Cited
Starr, Cecie, & Beverly McMillan. ”Human Biology”. 9th edition.USA: Brooks Cole. 2012. Print.