Which two systems make up the nervous system?

The nervous system is fundamentally divided into two main components: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which serve as the primary control center for processing information and coordinating responses. The peripheral nervous system, on the other hand, includes all the nerves outside the central nervous system, which connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, facilitating communication between the brain, spinal cord, and various body parts.

The distinction between the two systems is crucial for understanding how the body processes sensory input and responds to stimuli. For instance, sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system relay information from sensory organs to the brain, where the information is integrated, and responses are formulated, which are then transmitted back out through motor neurons in the peripheral nervous system.

Other options do not appropriately encompass the entire structure of the nervous system. For example, referencing the cortex and peripheral system does not account for the entire central nervous system. The autonomous nervous system is not a recognized term in descriptions of nervous system components, and while the brain and spinal cord are critical components, they do not include the extensive network of nerves that make the peripheral nervous system. Thus, the correct choice highlights the comprehensive structure that enables the functionality of