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Central nervous system

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.

Brain componentsWatch this video about:Brain components

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References

Crossman AR. Introduction and overview. In: Crossman AR, ed. Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2025:chap 1.

Swartz MH. The nervous system. In: Swartz MH, ed. Swartz Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 21.

Review Date 4/1/2025

Updated 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.