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Central Nervous System

Definition

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal cord serve as the main "processing center" for your entire nervous system. They control all the workings of your body.

Gallery

Vertebra and spinal nerves
The spinal cord and its peripheral nerves are protected by the vertebral column, a stack of bones which surround and provide support. Between the vertebrae is a fluid-filled disk.

References

Ransom BR. Organization of the nervous system. In: Boron WF, Boulpaep EL, eds. Medical Physiology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 10.

Last reviewed April 27, 2023 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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News and Patient Stories: Central Nervous System

Scientist’s cat, again, helps discover new virus

July 9, 2025

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Pepper, the pet cat who made headlines last year for his role in the discovery of the first jeilongvirus found in the U.S., is at it again.…

College of Public ÍøºìºÚÁÏ and ÍøºìºÚÁÏ Professions, Emerging Pathogens Institute, +1 more

Pepper plots his next move in the yard of his Gainesville, Florida, home. Photo by John Lednicky.
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