Central Nervous System

Every person should have a little knowledge about the CNS of the body. CNS is a short form used for the Central Nervous System. CNS (Central Nervous System) and PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) are the two types of Nervous systems in the body.

There is a brief overview of the CNS, its stimulants, its components, and also its examination following the article to know more.

What is CNS?

‘CNS’ full form is the Central Nervous System, it is the combination of the entire system of complex neurons, axons, and all the supporting tissues that constitute the brain and the spinal cord.

Our Brains work on two basic types of functions, the first function is in which the brain controls behaviour, and the second is to regulate the body’s physiological processes. The brain receives signals from the receptors of the body that are through the spinal cord.

Structure Of the CNS

The CNS has been divided into three parts which are the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerve cells.

1. Brain: The brain is a very important part of the body responsible for movements, feelings, memories, and awareness. It also has been divided into three more components which are:
2. Cerebrum: It is the largest part of the brain about 85% of it.  The cerebrum has been also divided into further two hemispheres that function together in the voluntary behaviours and cognitive thinking of the body. The cerebrum has four lobes namely the Frontal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal lobe.
3. Cerebellum: This is located just above the brainstem; it monitors and regulates the motor behaviour of the body
4. Brain Stem: this is located on the base side of the brain, made up of midbrains, pons, and medulla oblongata. It can function automatically such as swallowing and breathing.
5. Spinal Cord: It is a thin collection of neurons; it runs from the length of the spinal column. The CNS communicates with the whole body with the help of the nerves, these nerves are connected with the spinal cord which makes up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

The Spinal cord has 30 segments and each of them belongs to one of the following sections:

• Cervical: There are 8 segments; that transmit signals for the areas like the head, neck, shoulder, arms, and hands.
• Thoracic: These are 12 segments; that transmit a signal in the areas like the chest, arms, and abdominal areas.
• Lumbar: These are 5 segments; that transmit a signal in the areas like the legs, feet, and some of the pelvic organs.
• Sacral: These are 5 segments; that transmit a signal in the areas like the lower back, pelvic organs, genital areas, and some areas of the feet.
• Coccyx: It is the base of the spinal cord

1.  Nerve Cells: The nerve cells connect with themselves to get and send messages to the brain and the spinal cord. All the neurons work together so that they could transmit different sensory information in the brain and analyse them to get to the decisions. Approximately 86 billion neurons are working in our CNS. Non-Neuronal cells ‘Glial Cells’ in the CNS do not transmit messages but protect the neurons.

CNS Stimulants

CNS Stimulants are a type of drug which increases the level of chemicals in the brain. It increases alertness, attention, and energy in the body. They are used in treating depression, narcolepsy, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The CNS stimulants work on the neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine).

CNS Stimulants increase the level of catecholamine in the brain. (Catecholamines are a group of neurotransmitters that include norepinephrine and dopamine).

There are some common side effects of CNS Stimulants, which can differ from person to person, and the intake of the stimulant.

Common CNS Stimulant Side effects:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Lost Appetite
• Weight loss 
• Sweating
• Itching

There also are some severe CNS stimulant side effects:

• Chest Pain
• Cardiac Arrest
• Rapid Heartbeats
• Paranoia
• Blurry vision
• Seizures
• Abnormal Rhythm of the heart

Although most of the side effects are temporary. A person taking CNS stimulants should keep a regular visit to the health care provider to keep an eye on the effect on the body and the progress.

CNS Examination

CNS Examination is also known as NEURO Exam, it involves different instruments to check the response of the body (Reflexes). This does not cause any pain to the patient. The examination depends on different factors such as the age of the patient, his/her initial problem, or their current condition (if they are already suffering from any disease or not).

The test is performed only on patients who are suspected to have any sort of neurological trauma or neurological or psychological diseases. This consists of several in-depth assessments of the mental status and motor abilities.

Conclusion

CNS is the most important part of the body, that is why its care is also very important. It takes care of all the voluntary and involuntary actions as well. The topic has been discussed in detail above.