The central nervous system consists of which structures?

• A. Brain and spinal cord
• B. Peripheral nerves
• C. Autonomic nerves
• D. Endocrine glands

Answer: (A)

The central nervous system is the body's main control center, comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The brain processes sensory information, makes decisions, and plans actions, while the spinal cord transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Nerves outside the CNS, such as peripheral nerves and autonomic nerves, belong to the peripheral nervous system and connect to the CNS to relay signals. Endocrine glands are part of the endocrine system and are not part of the nervous system.