Definition

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

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

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Review Date:7/28/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, M.D., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.