GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Psychology GlossaryCentral Nervous System

Central Nervous System - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Cara Head

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What is the Central Nervous System?

In GCSE psychology, the central nervous system or CNS refers to the brain and the spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for receiving information from inside the body and from the external environment. The information is processed and then instructions are sent to the rest of the body to facilitate an appropriate response.

Diagram of the nervous system showing the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord) and peripheral nerves in a human figure, labelled and highlighted.

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Cara Head

Reviewer: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology & Psychology Content Creator

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding

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