The nervous system is located throughout the body, with its central components primarily within the dorsal body cavity.
Central Nervous System Location
The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, which are protected within:
- The Head: The brain is housed inside the skull, a bony structure that provides protection.
- The Trunk: The spinal cord runs through the vertebral column, which is located at the back of the trunk.
Specific Areas of the CNS
| Component | Location |
|---|---|
| Brain | Inside the skull (head) |
| Spinal Cord | Within the vertebral column (back of trunk) |
Body Cavity
The central nervous system, according to the provided reference, is located within the dorsal (back) body cavity. This cavity protects the delicate nerve tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System Location
While the central nervous system is located in the dorsal body cavity, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) extends throughout the body.
- Nerves: Nerves of the PNS branch out from the central nervous system to innervate the rest of the body.
- Ganglia: Clusters of nerve cell bodies (ganglia) are also located in various parts of the body within the peripheral nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), thus encompassing nerves found in:
- Arms and legs
- Organs and glands
- Skin and muscles
Summary
The nervous system, encompassing both the central and peripheral components, is located in the following ways:
- The central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, resides within the dorsal body cavity, specifically inside the skull and along the back of the trunk.
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) extends throughout the rest of the body, connecting the central nervous system to limbs, organs, skin, and other structures.
