Arkansas Esthetician Practice Exam

Which nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord?

1. Central nervous system

2. Peripheral nervous system

3. Autonomic nervous system

4. Somatic nervous system

The correct answer is: Central nervous system

The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, serving as the primary control center for the entire body. It processes information, formulates responses, and relays signals to the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system is responsible for higher mental functions such as thought, emotion, and memory, as well as for regulating basic bodily functions. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. The autonomic nervous system is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, while the somatic nervous system is another subdivision that governs voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique roles of each component in the overall functioning of the nervous system.