The brain and the spinal cord compose the central
nervous system. In the vertebrate body, the organs of the central nervous system
are well protected by being wrapped in connective tissue and enclosed in bone.
The brain, covered by the membranous meninges, rests in the skull cavity where
it is enclosed by the cranium. The spinal cord, also covered by connective
tissue, is circled by the vertebral column. The human brain is divided into many
parts, each with special functions. Among the most important parts are the
cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla.
