Brain tumours
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made of different types of tissues and cells which can develop into different types of tumours.
To understand tumours of the CNS it helps to know about the:
parts of the brain and spinal cord
types of cells and tissues
The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
The brain controls everything we do, from how we think to how we behave. It sends electrical messages to the rest of our body along nerve fibres.
The nerve fibres run out of the brain and join together to make up the spinal cord.
The spinal cord has bundles of long nerve fibres that carry signals to and from the brain, to all parts of the body. These long nerve fibres are called peripheral nerves.
The brain is protected by the skull. The main areas of the brain include the:
cerebrum (also called the Forebrain)
cerebellum (also called the Hindbrain)
brainstem
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two halves, the right and left central hemispheres. Each half is divided into 4 areas (lobes):
frontal lobe
parietal lobe
temporal lobe
occipital lobe
The cerebrum is responsible for planned movement such as walking and talking. It is also responsible for our:
thinking
memory
emotions
senses
The cerebellum is at the back of the brain. It controls our balance and posture. It is also involved with timing and coordination of movement.
The brainstem is the lower part of the brain that connects with the spinal cord. It controls functions that we don't usually think about. They include:
breathing
sneezing and coughing
swallowing
our heartbeat and blood pressure
The main areas of the brainstem include:
the midbrain - this connects the cerebrum with the lower part of the brain and the spinal cord
the pons - which connects the cerebellum with the higher part of the brain and the spinal cord
the medulla oblongata - which controls important functions such as breathing
The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that stretch from the brain to the lower part of the back. It sends messages to and from the brain to the different parts of the body.
The spinal cord is protected by the bones of the spine. These are called vertebrae.
Meninges are membranes that support and protect the brain and the spinal cord. A clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) travels in the spaces formed by the meninges.
The most common type of brain tumour that starts in the meninges is called meningioma.
The brain and the spinal cord are made up of different types of cells and tissues.
The blood brain barrier is a natural filter between the blood and the brain which protects the brain from harmful substances.
This barrier stops some drugs from reaching the brain. This includes some types of chemotherapy drugs.
Find out more about chemotherapy and other treatments for brain tumours
You might want to read about what brain tumours are.
Last reviewed: 07 Jan 2023
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
There are many different types of brain tumours. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.
Brain tumours are the second most common type of children’s cancer in the UK. Around 420 children are diagnosed with these tumours each year in the UK.
You usually start by seeing your GP who might refer you to a specialist. Or you might go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you suddenly have severe symptoms.
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
