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

The central nervous system is the primary component of the nervous system that encompasses both the brain and the spinal cord. Its main function is to process information and coordinate actions throughout the body. The brain serves as the control center, integrating sensory information, making decisions, and regulating vital functions, while the spinal cord acts as a vital communication pathway, relaying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. This unique organization within the central nervous system allows for higher-order functions, such as thinking, learning, and emotional responses, as well as essential reflexes and automatic processes.

In contrast, the peripheral nervous system involves all the nerves outside the central nervous system, connecting the brain and spinal cord to limbs and organs. The sensory nervous system refers specifically to the components responsible for receiving and processing sensory information from the environment. The somatic nervous system is a subset of the peripheral nervous system that primarily controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information from the body to the central nervous system. Thus, identifying the central nervous system is essential for understanding its integral role in overall functioning and behavior.