Which components make up the central nervous system?

The central nervous system (CNS) is fundamentally composed of two primary components: the brain and the spinal cord. The brain serves as the control center for processing information, making decisions, and coordinating actions, while the spinal cord acts as a vital conduit for signals between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating communication of sensory and motor information.

The other choices include components that do not fit the definition of the CNS. Cranial nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system, which connects the CNS to limbs and organs. Peripheral nerves also belong to the peripheral nervous system, not the central. Endocrine glands, while crucial for hormone regulation in the body, are unrelated to the structure and function of the CNS. Therefore, the inclusion of the brain and spinal cord accurately reflects the core components of the central nervous system.