Question

How is the brain and spinal cord protected in the human body?

Answer 1

Central nervous system:

1. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord which are responsible for processing the information received from various body parts.
2. The brain contains centers for processing sensory information and the spinal cord emerges from the lower part of the brain and produces reflex actions.

Protection of the brain and spinal cord:

1. A bony box called the cranium protects the brain, while the spinal cord is covered by the vertebral column. These bony structures prevent the brain and the spinal cord from injuries.
2. Both the spinal cord and the brain are surrounded by three layers/membranes called meninges, which further protect these structures from injury.
3. These membranes also contain a fluid between them called cerebrospinal fluid that acts as a shock absorber protecting the structures from mechanical shock.