Which system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord?

The system that is comprised of the brain and spinal cord is known as the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for processing and integrating information, coordinating activities, and responding to stimuli. It serves as the main control center for the body, playing a critical role in cognitive functions, reflexes, and the regulation of bodily functions through movement and perception.

In contrast, the peripheral nervous system includes all the neural pathways outside of the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the limbs and organs. The somatic nervous system is a subset of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, whereas the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique role of the central nervous system within the broader context of the nervous system as a whole.