The central nervous system in human beings consists of the brain and spinal cord.
(i) Brain: Brain is the highest coordinating centre in the body. It is covered by meninges, which is made up of three layers. It is protected by, cranium. a brain is broadly divided into:
(a) Forebrain: The forebrain includes cerebrum; and olfactory lobes. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It consists of two cerebral hemispheres. Sensory and motor receptors are present in the brain. There are various regions for reception of vision (occipital lobe), reception of sound (temporal lobe), touch, smell, temperature (parietal lobe) and muscular activities (frontal lobe). Olfactory lobes are one of a pair and receive olfactory nerves.
(b)Midbrain: It is the small portion of the brain that connects cerebrum with the other parts of the brain and spinal cord.
(c) Hindbrain: It consists of cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and adjustment of movement and posture" Pons regulate respiration. Medulla oblongata regulates swallowing, coughing, sneezing and vomiting.
(ii) Spinal cord: Medulla oblongata extends downwards, enclosed in the vertebral column to Form a cylindrical structure known n as the spinal cord. It is also covered by meninges. It is the reflex centre of the body.
