The central nervous system consists of the spinal chord and the brain. The brain receives and processes signals delivered through the spinal chord, and then sends directive signals to the body. The spinal chord is the pathway through which all signals are sent to received by the body. In people with cerebral palsy, this "signaling" system does not function properly.
Attack by micro-organisms on the central nervous system of an infant is a known risk factor for cerebral palsy.