Concepts of Human Anatomy & Physiology   5/e   Van De Graaff/Fox
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I. Characteristics of the Central Nervous System

Concept: The central nervous system, composed of gray and white matter, is covered with meninges and is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid. The tremendous metabolic rate of the brain requires a continuous flow of blood amounting to approximately 20% of the total resting cardiac output.

II. Development of the Brain

III. Cerebrum

Concept: The cerebrum, consisting of five paired lobes within two convoluted hemispheres, is concerned with higher brain functions, including the perception of sensory impulses, the instigation of voluntary movement, and the storage of memory, thought processes, and reasoning ability. The cerebrum is also concerned with instinctual and limbic (emotional) functions.

IV. Diencephalon

Concept: The diencephalon is a major autonomic region of the brain that consists of such vital structures as the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and pituitary gland.

V. Mesencephalon

Concept: The mesencephalon contains the corpora quadrigemina, concerned with visual and auditory reflexes, and the cerebral peduncles, composed of fiber tracts. It also contains specialized nuclei that help to control posture and movement.

VI. Metencephalon

Concept: The metencephalon contains the pons, which relays impulses, and the cerebellum, which coordinates skeletal muscle contractions.

VII. Myelencephalon

Concept: The medulla oblongata, contained within the myelencephalon, connects to the spinal cord and contains nuclei for the cranial nerves and vital autonomic functions.

VIII. Meninges of the Central Nervous System

Concept: The CNS is covered by protective meninges; namely, the dura mater, the arachnoid, and the pia mater.

IX. Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid

Concept: The ventricles, central canal, and subarachnoid space contain cerebrospinal fluid, formed by the active transport of substances from blood plasma in the choroid plexuses.

X. Spinal Cord

Concept: The spinal cord consists of centrally located gray matter, involved in reflexes, and peripherally located ascending and descending tracts of white matter, which conduct impulses to and from the brain.

XI. Development of the Spinal Cord

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