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

• A. Central nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Autonomic nervous system
• D. Enteric nervous system

Answer: (A)

Think of the nervous system as two main sections: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system—they’re the body's main control center, processing information and coordinating responses. The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body, carrying sensory information to the brain and transmitting motor commands out to muscles and organs. Within that peripheral network you have subsystems like the autonomic nervous system, which manages involuntary functions, and the enteric nervous system, which governs the gut. So, the part that consists of the brain and spinal cord is the central nervous system.