1. Central Nervous System Organization of the Central nervous system: L1
Faisal I. Mohammed, MD, PhD.

3. Objectives: Students should be able to:
Give an overview of the nervous system function
Compare the nervous and endocrine system
List the parts of the CNS
List the divisions of CNS
Describe the general structure of the functional unit of the CNS
Give and overview of the spinal cord structure

4. Overview of the Nervous System
The nervous system, along with the endocrine system, helps to keep controlled conditions within limits that maintain health and helps to maintain homeostasis.
The nervous system is responsible for all our behaviors, memories, and movements.
The branch of medical science that deals with the normal functioning and disorders of the nervous system is called neurology.

5. Comparison between Nervous and Endocrine Control System
Nervous system is fast compared to endocrine
Nervous system uses Action Potentials compared to chemicals (Hormones) the endocrine system uses
Nervous system have low gain compared to very high gain for the Endocrine system
Nervous system acts on the effectors (skeletal muscle or glands) but endocrine acts on the metabolic pathways

6. Functions of Nervous System
Sensory function: to sense changes in the internal and external environment through sensory receptors.
Sensory (afferent) neurons serve this function.
Integrative function: to analyze the sensory information, store some aspects, and make decisions regarding appropriate behaviors.
Association or interneurons serve this function.
Motor function is to respond to stimuli by initiating action.
Motor(efferent) neurons serve this function.

7. Central Nervous System compared to Computer system

8. Somatosensory
Axis of the
Nervous System

9. Skeletal Motor
Nerve Axis of the
Nervous System

10. Nervous System Divisions
Central nervous system (CNS)
consists of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
consists of cranial and spinal nerves that contain both sensory and motor fibers
connects CNS to muscles, glands & all sensory receptors

11. Functional Unit (Neuron)

12. Organization of the Nervous System

13. The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

15. Spinal Cord Anatomy Protective structures:
Vertebral column and the meninges protect the spinal cord and provide physical stability.
a. Dura mater –outer layer
b. Arachnoid – middle layer
c. Pia mater – inner most layer
Epidural space, subdural space and
Subarachnoid space – cerebrospinal fluid runs through this space

17. THANK YOU