What two major components comprise your central nervous system?

The central nervous system (CNS) is primarily composed of the brain and spinal cord. The brain serves as the control center for processing information, coordinating activities, and executing functions essential for survival. It is responsible for thought, emotion, sensory interpretation, and motor function. The spinal cord extends from the brain and acts as a conduit for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating communication and reflexes by connecting with peripheral nerves.

Understanding that the CNS is distinct from other systems in the body, such as the cardiovascular system (which includes the heart and lungs) or the muscular system (which comprises muscles and their nerve connections), clarifies why the other choices do not apply. Blood and arteries are components of the circulatory system, further illustrating the separation and specialization of each body system. Hence, the correct identification of the brain and spinal cord as the two major components of the central nervous system is crucial for understanding its role in overall bodily function.