What does the Central Nervous System consist of?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is fundamentally composed of the brain and spinal cord. This system serves as the primary control center for processing information and coordinating actions throughout the body. The brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions, sensory perception, and managing bodily functions, while the spinal cord acts as the main pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Other options suggest different combinations of nervous system components that do not accurately represent the CNS. For instance, peripheral nerves are part of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, making the second choice incorrect. Similarly, somatic nerves and specific brain structures like the hippocampus and amygdala are parts of broader anatomical functions but do not represent the entire setup of the Central Nervous System. Hence, the correct identification of the Central Nervous System lies exclusively in the combination of the brain and spinal cord.