Which part of the nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord?

The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that includes both the brain and the spinal cord. This system serves as the main control center for processing information and dictating responses throughout the body. It plays a vital role in integrating sensory information, coordinating motor functions, and managing higher cognitive functions like thinking and problem-solving.

In contrast, the peripheral nervous system encompasses all nerve pathways outside the brain and spinal cord, which connect the central nervous system to limbs and organs. The autonomic nervous system, a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system, regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the central nervous system. Thus, the central nervous system’s composition of the brain and spinal cord distinguishes it as the key hub for processing and responding to information, making it the correct answer in this context.