This important system is one of the two main categories of the Nervous System.

It works in conjunction with the peripheral nervous system.

The CNS is found within the meninges of the brain.

Another aspect of CNS is the spinal cord.

The main function of the CNS is the reception of information, the processing of that
information, and often the decision or reaction made to the information.

The CNS is quite complex and the location is extensive

Within the brain are several areas dedicated to CNS control

The following is a list – divided into 4 categories:

1.)  Telencephalon

-   Amygdala – helps process memory of “emotional” states
-   Hippocampus – [Front Brain] – short term memory
-   Lateral Ventricles
-   Rhinencephalon – area helps control smell

2.)  Diencephalon

-   Hypothalamus    -    Release of several enzymes
-   Pineal gland    -    Melatonin production
-   Pituitary gland    -    Secretes hormones
-   Thalamus    -    Process input from body then relays it to cerebral cortex
-   Third Ventricle

3.)  Mesencephalon

-   Cerebral peduncle
-   Tectum    -    Some control of Eye movement, vision, and hearing
-   Pretectum    -    Receives input from eye

4.)  Rhombencephalon

   -    Pons    -    This is a conduit for information from the cerebellum and the cerebrum, has control
in breathing and a possible role in dreaming
-   Cerebellum    -    helps with sensory, coordination, motor control
-   Medulla oblongata    -    helps control blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration

The picture to the left depicts the Brain regions of a 4 week old human embryo.

Development of the CNS  is quite complex and important.

The brain continues to develop and mature well after birth.

It is believed that the brain is still developing during the first twenty years of life.