Do Lobsters Have a Central Nervous System?

Lobsters have a decentralized nervous system with a central nervous system composed of a brain and ventral nerve cord, but most of their nervous tissue is distributed in peripheral ganglia. Their sensorimotor processing relies on this mixed architecture, where the brain integrates signals and the ventral nerve coordinates limb and tail movements. Because most nociceptive signaling occurs in peripheral ganglia, their capacity for pain-like perception differs from centralized processing in vertebrates. Lobsters also regenerate lost limbs, relying on peripheral nerves and ganglia that reorganize during molt cycles. This overview clarifies anatomy, function, and common misconceptions, drawing on comparative neuroethology and marine physiology.