Describe the human central nervous system along with its parts and functions.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. It is the control centre for all body functions. It is the site for all information processing in the body. It is responsible for processing every sensation and thought a human being experiences. It has two parts — Brain and Spinal Cord.

1. Brain — The Brain is the main control centre of the nervous system situated in the cranium of the skull. It controls our thinking, feelings, movement and senses. It has three parts — Cerebrum, Cerebellum and Medulla oblongata.
   1. Cerebrum — The cerebrum is the uppermost, largest and the most prominent part of the brain. It is responsible for the sensation of pain, temperature, touch, sight, sound, taste and smell. It also controls mental activities such as memory, intelligence, thinking and reasoning.
   2. Cerebellum — The cerebellum is a small, egg-shaped lobe located at the base under the cerebrum. It helps in the muscle coordination and balance of the body.
   3. Medulla oblongata — The Medulla oblongata is the lowermost part of the brain located at the base of the skull. It controls breathing, heartbeat, coughing, sneezing and other involuntary functions.
2. Spinal cord — The spinal cord is the continuation of the medulla oblongata of the brain. It is like a cord that emerges from a hole at the base of the skull and runs through the vertebral column. The spinal cord conducts reflexes below the neck. It conducts sensory impulses from the skin and muscles to the brain. It conducts motor responses from the brain to the muscles of the trunk and limbs.