Regional Anatomy

 

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

 

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord that are surrounded and protected by the cranium and vertebral bones, respectively,

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) located outside of the CNS and consists of cranial nerves and spinal nerves that conduct information to (afferent or sensory) and from (efferent or motor) the CNS. 

By knowing regional anatomy together with the functions of particular brain structures, the clinician can determine the location of nervous system damage in a patient who has a particular neurological impairment and, in many cases, a psychiatric impairment.

 

Structure and Function of the Nervous System