What are the main divisions of the nervous system?

The main divisions of the nervous system are categorized into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, which serve as the control center for processing information and coordinating responses. The PNS consists of all the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and brain, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body. It is responsible for transmitting signals to and from the limbs and organs, thus facilitating communication between the CNS and different parts of the body.

By understanding these two main divisions, one can grasp how the nervous system is structurally organized and functions as a whole. The CNS's primary role is to process sensory information and generate responses, while the PNS operates primarily to relay information to and from the CNS, handling voluntary and involuntary actions.

Other options list specific parts or functions of the nervous system but do not encompass the two major divisions as a whole. For instance, the autonomic and somatic systems are subdivisions of the PNS. Similarly, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems represent components of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. The cerebral and cerebellar systems refer to specific areas within the CNS, rather than divisions