The two main components of the nervous system are the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It acts as the command center for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. The brain is responsible for complex functions such as thought, memory, and emotion, while the spinal cord serves as the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the rest of the body.
On the other hand, the peripheral nervous system connects the CNS to the limbs and organs. It is subdivided into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.
In summary, the CNS processes information and coordinates responses, while the PNS transmits signals to and from different parts of the body, making both components essential for proper functioning.