Medical Encyclopedia: Central nervous system (Print Version)

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Medical Encyclopedia: Central nervous system

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002311.htm

Definition

The central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord serve as the main "processing center" for the entire nervous system, and control all the workings of the body.

The central nervous system does not include the peripheral nerves in the arms, legs, muscles, and organs.

Update Date: 5/22/2007

Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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