Which system contains the brain and spinal cord?

Which system contains the brain and spinal cord?

• A. Peripheral nervous system
• B. Sympathetic nervous system
• C. Parasympathetic nervous system
• D. Central nervous system

Answer: (D)

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system. This part of the nervous system acts as the body’s command center, processing sensory input, making decisions, and coordinating actions. The rest of the nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord and carries signals to and from the CNS. Within the peripheral system is the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions and has two divisions—the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems—that work together to regulate things like heart rate and digestion. This distinction helps you understand how signals travel and how different regions can be affected by diseases, injuries, or drugs in lab animals.

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system. This part of the nervous system acts as the body’s command center, processing sensory input, making decisions, and coordinating actions. The rest of the nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord and carries signals to and from the CNS. Within the peripheral system is the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions and has two divisions—the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems—that work together to regulate things like heart rate and digestion. This distinction helps you understand how signals travel and how different regions can be affected by diseases, injuries, or drugs in lab animals.