Adult Brain with Spinal Cord

The adult brain and spinal cord together form the central nervous system, integrating sensory information and controlling motor, cognitive, autonomic and behavioural functions. The mature brain shows well-developed gyri and sulci, with the cerebrum responsible for higher functions, the cerebellum for coordination and balance, and the brainstem for vital autonomic functions. The brainstem continues through the foramen magnum as the spinal cord, which carries ascending sensory and descending motor pathways. In forensic autopsy, examination of the brain and spinal cord helps identify trauma, haemorrhage, vascular disease, infection, tumours and other neurological causes of death.