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

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

Answer: (A)

The important distinction here is that the nervous system is organized into central and peripheral parts, with the brain and spinal cord forming the core processing hub. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and serves as the body's control center, integrating information and coordinating actions. The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord and carries signals to and from the CNS; the autonomic nervous system is a functional subset of the peripheral system that manages involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion. The term nervous system alone is too broad because it encompasses both central and peripheral components. Therefore, the part that contains the brain and spinal cord is the central nervous system.