Identify major structures and functions of the nervous system.

Identification should include structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous system as follows:

• The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord.
• The peripheral nervous system contains cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

Refer to Units VII and X in Nurse Aide Curriculum Links to an external site., Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Can central nervous system cells regenerate after being damaged? Why is this important?
• Where are the respiratory centers located in the brain? How is this important in health care?
• What is meningitis? What test would be used to diagnose it?