CNS

27 topics with concise reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.

This section is dedicated to the study of the central nervous system (CNS), which comprises the brain and spinal cord. We examine in detail their macroscopic structure, internal organization of gray and white matter, as well as the topographical relationships of structures within the cranial cavity and vertebral canal.

The material covers the embryogenesis of the nervous system, functional anatomy of the brainstem, cerebellum, diencephalon, and telencephalon. Special attention is paid to neural pathways, the ventricular system, and the meninges.

Practical classes most frequently require knowledge of cranial nerve nuclei, localization of basal nuclei, cortical projection areas, and cytoarchitectonics. This reference guide will help systematize knowledge for successfully passing colloquia and exams.

Section Topics

BrainstemThe brainstem is a vital region of the central nervous system, represen Spinal cord anatomyMedulla spinalis Topography of the spinal cordThe spinal cord is the central structure of the nervous system, locat Gray matter of spinal cordSubstantia grisea medullae spinalis White matter of spinal cordSubstantia alba medullae spinalis BrainEncephalon TelencephalonTelencephalon Basal nucleiNuclei basales White matter of the hemispheresThe white matter of the hemispheres is formed by neuronal processes th Corpus callosum and fornixCorpus callosum et fornix Lateral ventriclesVentriculi laterales DiencephalonDiencephalon HypothalamusHypothalamus Third ventricleVentriculus tertius MidbrainMesencephalon PonsPons CerebellumCerebellum Medulla oblongataMedulla oblongata HindbrainRhombencephalon Fourth ventricleVentriculus quartus Nervous system and neuronSystema nervosum Embryogenesis of the nervous systemThe embryogenesis of the nervous system is a complex process of primor Cranial nervesNervi craniales Cerebral cortexCortex cerebri MeningesMeninges Neural pathwaysTractus systematis nervosi Sulci and gyri of the brainSulci and gyri form the complex relief of the cerebral surface

Frequently asked questions for this section

Which cranial nerve exits on the dorsal surface of the brainstem?

Trochlear nerve (IV pair, n. trochlearis). This is the only nerve that exits the dorsal aspect of the brainstem, after which it wraps around the cerebral peduncle.

What is a spinal cord segment?

This is the anatomical region of the spinal cord from which a single pair of spinal nerves originates. A total of 31 such segments are distinguished in humans.

Where is the spinal cord located?

It is located in the vertebral canal.

What is the main difference between the anterior and posterior horns on a transverse section?

The anterior horn is wide and massive; it does not reach the surface of the spinal cord. The posterior horn is narrow, long, and reaches the outer surface.

What does the white matter consist of besides nerve fibers?

In addition to myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, the white matter contains neuroglia, blood vessels, and a small amount of connective tissue.

Does brain mass affect the level of intelligence?

No, the size and mass of the organ (ranging from 900 to 2000 g) do not correlate with intellectual abilities. A direct link between brain mass and giftedness has not been scientifically proven.

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