The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
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Gross anatomy
The main components of the CNS are the brain and spinal cord. In addition, the CNS includes the optic nerves (cranial nerve II), retinas, olfactory nerves (cranial nerve I), and olfactory epithelium.
Histology
Macroscopically, the CNS consists of grey matter and white matter.