What does the central nervous system consist of?

The central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. This system is responsible for processing information and coordinating activities throughout the body. The brain acts as the control center, processing sensory information, making decisions, and regulating bodily functions. The spinal cord serves as the main pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, allowing for communication and reflex actions.

Understanding the roles of the CNS components highlights why they are categorized together. The peripheral nerves, mentioned in some other choices, actually belong to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which consists of all nerves outside the CNS that connect it to limbs and organs. Muscles also do not comprise the CNS; instead, they are affected by signals sent from the brain and spinal cord. Thus, the correct composition of the central nervous system clearly includes only the brain and spinal cord.