The central nervous system (CNS) consists of which two main components?

The central nervous system (CNS) is primarily composed of the brain and spinal cord. The brain serves as the control center for the body, overseeing functions such as thought, emotion, and coordination of movement, while the spinal cord acts as a critical pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Together, these two components enable the CNS to regulate not only voluntary actions but also involuntary responses, making it essential for survival.

The other choices mention various parts of the nervous system, but they do not encompass the entire CNS. For example, the cerebellum is a part of the brain that is involved in coordination and balance, but it is not one of the two major components of the CNS. Similarly, the meninges are protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord but are not components of the CNS themselves. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and plays key roles in various high-level functions, but again, it does not represent the entirety of the CNS alongside the spinal cord. Recognizing these distinctions is important for understanding the organization and function of the nervous system.