Question

What constitutes the central and peripheral nervous systems? How are the components of the central nervous system protected?

Answer 1

Nervous system:

1. The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.
2. The nervous system includes both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Central nervous system:

1. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system.

Peripheral nervous system:

1. The peripheral nervous system is composed of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
2. The somatic nervous system consists of peripheral nerve fibers that pick up sensory information or sensations from the peripheral or distant organs.
3. The autonomic nervous system consists of three parts, which innervate the smooth involuntary muscles of the (internal organs) and glands and cause them to function and secrete their enzymes.

Components of the central nervous system are protected by:

1. First and foremost, the brain is contained within the skull, and the spinal cord is encircled by a series of vertebrae.
2. Meninges are a succession of tissue layers that reside within these bony structures.
3. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless bodily fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord that protects from infections.