What are the two components of the nervous system?

The two components of the nervous system are the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, functioning as the main control center for processing information and coordinating responses. It plays a critical role in integrating sensory information and directing motor functions.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all the neural pathways that lie outside the CNS. It connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This system is further divided into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as heartbeat and digestion.

The distinction and relationship between these two components are fundamental to understanding how the nervous system operates as a whole, making the identification of the central and peripheral nervous system as the two primary components accurate and essential.