The nervous system is made up of which two main components?

The nervous system is indeed composed of two main components: the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and integrating information. It acts as the control center, processing sensory information and coordinating responses.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS), on the other hand, includes all the nerves that branch out from the CNS to the rest of the body. It facilitates communication between the CNS and the limbs and organs. The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system, which governs voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions.

This distinction between the central and peripheral systems underscores how they work together to allow the body to respond effectively to internal and external stimuli. Thus, identifying both components accurately captures the complete structure and functionality of the nervous system.