Together, the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, also referred to as the CNS. The network of nerves that connects the CNS to the arms, legs, eyes, ears, and other organs is called the peripheral nervous system (PNS). We are usually aware of our legs and arms moving and can...
This article takes a detailed look at the structures of the brain and what function various parts serve.
From the outside, the most obvious parts of the brain are
We discussed the spinal cord above (under “Brain and Nervous System Basics”) and explained that it extends from the brain and has the same layers (meninges) and CSF surrounding it (see Figure 4). The spinal cord makes up two thirds of the CNS and is a pathway for nerve impulses....
This article takes a look at the many options for cancer and brain tumor treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotheropy, and other drugs treatments.
Surgery
New Treatments
Many children’s tumor specialists are excited about treatments currently being researched and developed. They expect to see advances in several areas: less traumatic surgeries, new chemotherapeutic drugs and combinations of drugs that effectively could replace surgery and...
A tumor is any abnormal mass in or on the body that is caused by abnormal cells growing and multiplying in an uncontrolled way. Doctors also call a tumor a neoplasm.
Most childhood tumors (more than 60%) are located in the posterior fossa (the back compartment of the brain). This area is separated from the cerebral hemispheres by a tough membrane called the tentorium. The posterior fossa includes the cerebellum, the brainstem, and the fourth ventricle.
Every year, about 3,410 children in the United States are found to have brain and spinal cord tumors. The majority of them survive. This chapter provides an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of tumors in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system, or CNS). Tumors can also arise in...
Brain tumors are often difficult to diagnose because their signs and symptoms may mimic those of other disorders. Symptoms will also vary according to the exact location of the tumor. For example, many childhood brain tumors cause vomiting. However, there are other much more likely causes of...
As you read this Web site, you do many things simultaneously. Your eyes are moving from left to right; you are holding the computer mouse and keyboard. You may be shifting in your chair. You may be aware of others in the room. You could also be listening to music and drinking a cup of tea or...
Cells of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Like all living tissue, the brain and spinal cord are made up of cells, which in turn have characteristics and names unique to their function. The cells unique to the central nervous system are neurons and neuroglia.
